Co-Sponsored by the Muhammad Ali Center and the Center for Women and Families

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (August 10, 2015) — The Muhammad Ali Center and the Own It Initiative of The Center for Women and Families are partnering in a four-part series called MASKulinities: Exploring What It Means to “Be a Man.”

The series will kick off with a free screening of The Mask You Live In, at the Muhammad Ali Center auditorium on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. Pressured by the media, their peer groups, and even the adults in their lives, our protagonists confront messages encouraging them to disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic friendships, objectify women, and resolve conflicts through violence. These gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become “real” men. View the trailer for The Mask You Live In here.

Conversation after the film will be led by panelists:

• Rus Funk – The Center for Women & Families
• Aubrey Williams – Youth Advocate & Community Activist
• Choi Hoon – Assistant Professor of Theology, Bellarmine University
• Marcel Parent – Muhammad Ali Center

Anyone (male or female) wishing to attend this film screening can RSVP for free here. However, RSVP is required as we expect a sold-out show. A wait-list for a potential second screening later this year may be necessary.

The remaining components of the conversation series are described below. For more information, contact Charles Gwinn at cgwinn@alicenter.org or (502) 992-5340.

Part 2:  Sexual Conquest
When: September 29, 2015 @ 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Center for Women and Families – 927 S 2nd St., Louisville, KY

Part of “being a man” for many males is proving their sexual prowess. Attendees are encouraged to join in a lively conversation to examine this dynamic, explore the consequences, and develop some strategies for addressing these consequences.

NOTE: This event is NOT being held at the Ali Center, but instead at The Center for Women and Families. For questions about this event, contact Rus Funk at rus.funk@cwfempower.org, or by calling (502) 494-9044.

Part 3:  Athleticism
When: October 22, 2015 @ 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Muhammad Ali Center – 144 N. 6th Street

Part of “being a man” is often demonstrating some degree of athleticism, which can have both positive and negative consequences. This conversation will center on the impact of these consequences and how we can address these issues as a community.

Part 4:  Money and Power
When: November 19, 2015 @ 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Center for Women and Families – 927 S 2nd St., Louisville, KY

Access to wealth has a profound impact on how males think of themselves as “being a man.” A lively conversation is expected to explore the intersections of wealth and poverty in terms of how men express their concept of manhood.

NOTE: This event is NOT being held at the Ali Center, but instead at The Center for Women and Families. For questions about this event, contact Rus Funk at rus.funk@cwfempower.org, or by calling (502) 494-9044.

About the Own It Initiative of The Center for Women and Families
The Own It Initiative is the primary effort from The Center for Women and Families to engage and empower men and boys to join with the Center in preventing sexual and intimate partner violence.

The Center for Women and Families is the region’s domestic violence shelter and rape crisis center. Serving the nine counties in Southern Indiana and Kentucky that surround Louisville, The Center provides a full array of services to respond to and prevent intimate partner and sexual violence.

For more information visit www.menownit.org, or www.thecenteronline.org.