Welcome to Shelbyville - in Redwood City

Redwood City is about as diverse a community as they come.

On Feb. 6, the Library will present a screening of the documentary 'Welcome to Shelbyville,' about the rapidly-changing demographics of the country we live in.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Redwood City Library and the local organization Redwood City 2020, which promotes and celebrates diversity, organizers hope many locals will turn out for the film and stay for the post-film discussion, helping to create a healthy dialogue.

Redwood City spokesperson Malcolm Smith calls the film "fascinating and thought-provoking."

Organizers decribe the 67-minute film, released in 2010, as "a glimpse of America at a crossroads. In one town in the heart of America's bible belt, a community grapples with rapidly changing demographics. Longtime African American and white residents are challenged with how to integrate with a growing Latino population and the more recent arrival of hundreds of Somali refugees of Muslim faith. Set on the eve of the 2008 presidential election, the film captures the interaction between these residents as they navigate new waters against the backdrop of a tumultuous year."

Redwood City Together members describe the group as "a collaboration of caring community members and public/private organizations working to build a stronger, inclusive and welcoming community, building on the strength of our diversity and appreciation of our shared values - safe streets for our children, neighbors who look out for each other, and a thriving community where all can prosper. The group is coordinated by Redwood City 2020, working to ensure the health and success of children, youth and families served by the Redwood City School District."

For more information about the film "Welcome to Shelbyville," visit www.welcometoshelbyvillefilm.com.

For more information about Redwood City Together or Redwood City 2020, visit www.rwc2020.org.

THE DETAILS:

When: Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Redwood City Downtown Main Library, Community Room, 1044 Middlefield Road

Cost: Free

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