West Shore Community College is inviting the community to come together this fall through its HumanKind series, a celebration of the power of storytelling to connect, heal and inspire.
The series begins Thursday, Sept. 11, at 12:30 p.m. at Center Stage Theater with Jennifer Strauss of StoryBeTold presenting “The Power of Story: Why Humans Are Wired for Story and Why Story Connects Us.”
On Friday, Sept. 19, the HumanKind partnership with the Vogue Theatre in Manistee kicks off with a screening of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. All movies start at 7:00 p.m., are free admission and include a drink and popcorn.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 4:30 p.m., Madeline Tyner Freimuth from the University of Wisconsin–Madison will visit the William M. Anderson Library to share “Who’s Telling Their Story?”, a conversation about representation and diversity in children’s literature.
Later in October, on Monday, Oct. 20, the Vogue will show Finding Forrester. That same month, on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7:00 p.m., Erin Anderson Whiting will lead a discussion at the Mason County District Library in Ludington exploring memory, love and meaning in Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake.
Community members will also have opportunities to participate in hands-on workshops. On Monday, Nov. 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Ellie Markovich of the University of Maine will host “Jars of Joy: Fermenting Traditions and Sharing Stories” at The Commons on WSCC’s campus, blending food, memory and storytelling. That same evening, from 6 to 7:00 p.m., the Mason County District Library will offer “From Page to Post: Storytelling in the Digital Age,” a chance to learn how to share stories in new and creative ways.
The following week, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Vogue will feature Saving Private Ryan.
The series closes with two December events: On Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7:00 p.m., the Mason County District Library will host WSCC psychology professor Dr. John Moore presenting “Healing Through Story and the Science of Sharing,” highlighting how telling our stories can help build resilience and well-being. On Wednesday, Dec. 10, the Vogue will present The Holiday.
All events are free and open to the public, creating space for neighbors, families and friends to experience the many ways stories shape and strengthen community life.
“HumanKind is about more than events—it’s about creating opportunities for people to gather, listen and share,” said Dr. Matt Sanderson, chair of the HumanKind planning team, and professor of philosophy and ethics. “We hope the series reminds us that storytelling isn’t just entertainment, it’s how we build understanding and community together.”
HumanKind is WSCC’s arts and culture lecture series, offering a wide range of programming, including presentations, workshops, film screenings, art exhibitions, and performing arts events.
For more information on upcoming HumanKind events, visit the WSCC HumanKind website or contact humankind@westshore.edu.