Campus Y America Reads is hosting a screening of Sentenced directed by Mark Allen Johnson and Connor Martin, followed by facilitated discussion on the impact of illiteracy across the United States. The film highlights how gaps in literacy are connected to broader civic and social outcomes, including educational inequity, economic mobility, and democratic participation.

After the screening, America Reads student facilitators will lead a guided discussion connecting the film’s themes to local and national contexts. Drawing from their experience tutoring St. Louis area students, facilitators will ground conversation in real examples of how literacy disparities impact communities. 

Participants will be encouraged to reflect on literacy as a civic issue and consider the roles of public policy, community programs and individual engagement in addressing literacy inequities.

Please note that this film has mature themes including addiction, substance abuse and violence.