The Blind Side is based on the life of Michael Oher, a Black teenager who, in the movie, was adopted by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, a wealthy white couple in Tennessee. Michael Oher went on to become a Super Bowl-winning NFL player famous for his rags-to-riches story portrayed in the film. 

Recent controversy over Oher's real relationship with the Tuohy family alleges they never adopted him, but instead made themselves conservators over his earnings, and financially exploited Oher. 

We will discuss how the film's portrayal holds up today, and how complicated issues of race, privilege, and white saviorism, via adoption, hit close to home through the Hart family tragedy of 2018.

The RACE TALKS Movies + Conversations is an opportunity for community members to gather and watch a movie that is significant to a historical or contemporary issue. After the feature, attendees will debrief the movie together.

For more info, visit racetalkspdx.com, @racetalkspdx on Instagram and @racetalksofficial on Facebook.

Qualifies for "Attend a McMenamins History-Sponsored Event" Experience Stamp.