Focus Features and the Center for American Progress are pleased to present TALK TO ME. Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle portrays the one and only Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene Jr. In the mid-to-late 1960s, in Washington, D.C., vibrant soul music and exploding social consciousness were combining to unique and powerful effect. It was the place and time for Petey to fully express himself – sometimes to outrageous effect – and “tell it like it is.” With the support of his irrepressible and tempestuous girlfriend Vernell (Taraji P. Henson), the newly minted ex-con talks his way into an on-air radio gig. As Petey’s voice, humor, and spirit surge across the airwaves with the vitality of the era, listeners tune in to hear not only incredible music but also a man speaking directly to them about race and power in America like few people ever have.
Please join us for a provocative panel discussion and Q&A session immediately following the film.
Featured Panelists:
Denise Rolark Barnes, Publisher, The Washington Informer
Joe Madison, Radio Personality, Radio-One WOL-AM and XM Satellite Radio channel 169
Mark Lloyd, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
Moderated by:
Melody Barnes, Executive Vice President for Policy, Center for American Progress