"Peekskill Riots" Documentary Screened On The Site Of The Peekskill Riots
Day: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 2pm
Location: 297 Locust Ave, Cortland, NY
A rare opportunity to watch the documentary on Civil Rights champion, Paul Robeson and the Peekskill Riots at the seen. Says the filmmaker, Jon Bennett: "The Vancourtlandville Historical Society and I will be screening the documentary with a Q+A session between me and the audience immediately afterwards. I hope to see you here this Saturday as we discus this important part of American history."
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“I have never separated my work as an artist from my work as a human being. I’ve always put it more strongly. To me, my art is always a weapon.”

— Paul Robeson

Special Screening of "The Peekskill Riots" Episode One: The Mighty Oak in the Forest” and Q&A with local Filmmaker Jon Scott Bennett**

The Howland Public Library is pleased to announce a special screening on Thursday, May 23rd at 6 PM of Episode One of the docu-series "The Peekskill Riots," followed by a Q&A session with Hudson Valley filmmaker Jon Scott Bennett.

The docu-series will shed light on the historic events of August and September 1949, when violence erupted at benefit concerts for the Civil Right Congress outside Peekskill, NY, featuring actor, singer, and activist Paul Robeson. Citizens of Peekskill, galvanized by racist and anti-Semitic sentiments and disdain for Robeson’s left-wing views and campaign for civil rights, started two riots that resulted in hundreds of injuries, made national news, and unofficially marked the beginning of the McCarthy era, which would nearly erase Robeson from the public consciousness.

Through compelling storytelling and archival footage, Episode One serves as an introduction to Robeson's life and activism and the events leading up to the Peekskill concerts. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Bennett in a thought-provoking Q&A session following the screening.

Join for an evening of education, reflection, and dialogue.

Film Screening, The Peekskill Riots, Episode One: The Mighty Oak in the Forest
Day: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 6pm
Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508
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