“Immigrants and Refugees,” a topic explored in an episode of W. Kamau Bell’s CNN series, ”United Shades of America,” was the basis of a talk Wednesday evening, March 20 just #OffTheAve at the Global Learning Public Charter School.

The screening and panel discussion was part of the New Bedford Lyceum’s expanded programming around its 2019 event, W. Kamau Bell at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, which will take place on Saturday, April 6.

It was hosted by the City of New Bedford’s Human Relations Commission. Members of that body as well as the Lyceum, and the public, gathered in the school’s gym to watch Bell interview immigrants, refugees and even the founder of the modern alt-right movement in the U.S. onscreen. After, panelists spoke to the subject and shared their personal experiences with the topic.

The Lyceum’s decision to bring this evening to the North End is a welcome one. Arts and culture in the City of New Bedford is a powerful force. By ensuring it permeates the entire city, they are living up to their founding ideals – and showing that they #LoveTheAve.

The topic of discussion holds particular appeal here along Acushnet Avenue and in the North End. The city’s most densely populated residential area, as well as an important commercial corridor, it is home to a large share of the city’s Portuguese, Central American, Latino and Hispanic homes and businesses.

Many share the common experience of emigrating to this country. And all lend vitality to the streetscape #OnTheAve.

The New Bedford Lyceum is comprised of partner groups and organizations, including the City of New Bedford. In 2016, Mayor Jon Mitchell invited civic leaders to establish a forum where nationally recognized speakers would come and speak on and to a variety of topics. It is a renewal of the original New Bedford Lyceum, which traces its roots to 1828. (Find out more at nblyceum.org.)

The Lyceum states on that website, “The hope of the Lyceum and its partners is to collaborate with the people and organizations who represent the diverse social groups and communities in Greater New Bedford and South Coast Massachusetts, gathering community leaders who understand the power of the performing arts to be the catalyst for change.”

That was accomplished on Wednesday night in the North End. The conversation continues next week downtown. Another screening and discussion will take place on Wednesday, March 27 at the New Bedford Free Public Library, hosted by the Islamic Society of Southeastern Massachusetts. It will include a screening of Bell’s “What I learned talking to Muslims,” again followed by a conversation between hosts and the audience. The evening begins at 7:00 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

W. Kamau Bell’s Lyceum appearance at the Zeiterion on Saturday, April 6 is a ticketed event as follows: $25; $35; $45; and $75, which also includes a meet and greet with Bell. Tickets can be purchased at zeiterion.org.