Lenox Library is pleased to present a screening of Hear Me, a documentary film featuring seven young people from Berkshire County who have been impacted by gun violence. The film explores root causes, stories of impact, and a way forward—through the voices of experts: those who have lived it.
This program is free and open to the public, and will take place in the Lenox Town Hall Auditorium, located at 6 Walker Street, Lenox. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and audience Q & A. We’ll introduce public health models that have been effective at reducing shootings and homicides in other cities, and how we might work to implement them in Berkshire County.
About our panelists:
Sherwood Guernsey served four terms in the Massachusetts State Legislature. Early in his career, he joined the Peace Corps in Panama; he went on to be a senior staff of the Peace Corps in Washington. After law school, Sherwood opened a private practice in Pittsfield. In the 1980s, he ran for elective office and won, serving four terms in the State Legislature. He continued his political involvement by supporting local, state, and national candidates, culminating in the creation of the Berkshire Brigades, the County Democratic Organization. His work in politics has always focused on grassroots organizing and education.
Jenny Herzog is an artist working on gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform. She Produced Hear Me, a documentary featuring seven young people from Berkshire County who have been impacted by gun violence. Her project, Chaos Theory, uses the arts as a platform for community members impacted by the cycle of violence. Jenny received her Masters from New England Conservatory, and is a jazz singer and tap dancer. She was an Educator with Roca Boston, serving young men at the heart of urban violence; arts teacher at a therapeutic residential school serving teenage girls with a history of complex trauma; and currently works with teenagers involved with the juvenile justice system. Jenny teaches music and theatre in the MA Dept. of Corrections.
Eulises Rosado is an entrepreneur and mentor from Pittsfield. He is a father and grandfather who is passionate about breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration and trauma. Rosado spent his teenage years in and out of the juvenile system, and went to New York State Prison at the age of 16. His lived experience makes him an expert on the criminal justice system and community violence intervention. He received his CDL License, and currently works in transport. Rosado hopes that his story can help to raise awareness, educate, and inspire others.
Watch the trailer for Hear Me below: