The KSC Community and Belonging Commission hosted a screening of “Language of America,” a documentary by filmmaker Ben Levine exploring the erasure of indigenous language and culture, as well as efforts within indigenous communities to preserve language, culture and identity for future generations. The Community and Belonging Commission hosted the screening to participate in Native American Heritage Month and Universal Human Rights Month. The screening, which was held at the Putnam Theater on Thursday, Dec. 4, received an underwhelming audience turnout, with a majority of attendees being directly related to the Community and Belonging Commission.
The low turnout coincided with below freezing temperatures on the night of the performance, reaching 30 degrees Fahrenheit in Keene during the 4 p.m. starting time, with wind gusts of 30 m.p.h.
The Community and Belonging Commission, an organization under the Office of Community and Belonging, consists of students, staff and faculty who host similar events throughout the year.
According to alumni and Office of Community and Belonging Coordinator of Student Support Nina Zienkiewicz, the Community and Belonging Commission hopes to see greater turnout at future events, and highlighted the need for more students to know about the programs and events that the organization offers.
“We are a very small group, and I do not know if a lot of people know that we meet. I think the weather was definitely an issue, but more people need to know that we are here,” said Zienkiewicz.
Zienkiewicz encouraged students to visit their OwlNet page and contact the organization to get involved or learn more about upcoming events. According to Zienkiewicz, upcoming events such as the ongoing “Keene is Curious” series are inspiring and informative ways to connect and learn in a welcoming, community-centered environment.
“Something that [Associate Professor of Film] Jiwon Ahn puts on is [Keene is Curious], which is a monthly thing where we all read the same book, come together and discuss it. It’s something that we really want to bring back, see more of in the spring, and get people out for,” said Zienkiewicz.
Ryan Pacheco can be contacted at
