AFRO'S POSITION

To the Editors of The Crimson:

In order to clarify the position of AFRO regarding the film, Birth of a Nation, we request that our statement be printed in its original form as we released it.

Any group providing entertainment of a controversial nature to a diverse community has a responsibility to consider the reactions of those groups in the community with different perspectives from their own. It is important to air controversial issues in such a community, but those issues should be presented in a context where the opinions of various groups can be expressed. Since its release Birth of a Nation has generated fierce dispute. AFRO recognizes its educational value and feels that a setting in which the nature of the dispute is presented will facilitate the fullest possible understanding of the film. In accordance with this belief, AFRO contacted Alan Bozer, co-chairman of the Adams House Film Society, after the protest to propose another showing of the film at a later date. The format of this second showing will include: a presentation by Professor William Scott, Visiting Lecturer at Harvard and Chairman of the Black Studies Program at Wellesley College, the screening of the film, and a discussion period afterwards. Professor Scott will present the interpretations of several major 20th century schools of thought on the period of Reconstruction and will outline a brief history of the film. We feel that the particular format of this showing will resolve the question of conflicting rights: the freedom both to view and to protest the movie. With this issue resolved. AFRO hopes that attention can be redirected to the more pressing and important issues facing our community today. Darryl DePriest, Vice-Pres. of AFRO   Jeannette Watson, Community Affairs   Patricia Todman, Internal Affairs   Patsy Fath Davis, Pres. of AFRO