‘Pushout’ documentary to discuss disparities facing Black girls at free Petersburg event

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — Community members will soon have a chance to engage in important dialogues about disparities facing Black girls today through a public film screening in Petersburg.

"Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools" is a documentary that looks at the educational, judicial and societal inequalities affecting Black and brown girls in schools. The documentary explores these disparities and ways communities can work together to create better learning environments.

"Our goal is to bring together youth, families, educators, health providers, and community partners from Petersburg, Dinwiddie, Hopewell, and Prince George to deepen our shared understanding of how girls experience discipline, exclusion, and pushout in school settings," organizers wrote in a social post.

The Crater Health District, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health and the Southside Trauma-Informed Community Network, will host the free event on March 26, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St.

There will also be dinner, vendors and community dialogues alongside the film screening.

Registration is encouraged due to limited spots. For more information, contact RaShel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov or call 804-609-5831.