The Los Angeles Public Library’s Changing Tones team in partnership with Community Build, Inc. and the African American Heritage Month Legacy Project will present a rare, one-time-only screening of the documentary “The Fire This Time,” directed by Randy Holland, followed by a panel discussion, marking 30 years after the 1992 L.A. Civil Unrest. The LAPL will present an in-person and virtual screening of the doc on Friday, April 29, beginning at 12:45 p.m.  with the panel discussion to follow at 3:15 p.m., which is the same time the acquittals of four police officers were announced for the beating of Rodney King.

Award-winning television journalist Beverly White from NBC4 will moderate a panel discussion, featuring legislators and community leaders in keeping with the event’s theme: “Where we were, where we are, where are we going?” Councilman Herb Wesson, the recently appointed Los Angeles City Councilman of District 10, will provide opening remarks. Wesson is the first African American to hold the position of Council President in the city’s history and was re-elected three times to lead the city’s legislative body. During his tenure as Council President, Wesson presided over monumental policy initiatives making Los Angeles a better place to live, work and raise a family.

For viewers wishing to attend, the screening will be held at the Taper Auditorium of Central Library, located at 630 W. 5th Street.  For the virtual screening, participants can register with LAPL at forms.gle /NDSRCa9sSTbbwWY57.