Today's picks for civic nerds

 For Sunday

A Critical Look at Our History

The Northwest African American Museum will host a film and discussion this Sunday, focusing on origins of the transatlantic slave trade. The films include A Son of Africa, a 1996 film about British abolitionists, and Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North, an official selection of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. The two screenings will be followed by a discussion on the films' themes by members of Coming to the Table and New Legacy Puget Sound and artist Carletta Carrington Wilson.

Film & Discussion: Traces of the Slave Trade, Sun, June 9, 12:30-4pm, Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S Massachusetts St, free. 

For Tomorrow

Garage Sale on the Hill

One person's trash is another person's treasure at the Capitol Hill garage sale. Broadway Hill Park serves as the hub of the action, but sales will be going on throughout Capitol Hill. Spend Saturday shopping around the Hill for unique finds, or participate by throwing your own garage sale. After-sale items can be donated to Northwest Center's Big Blue Truck. 

Capitol Hill Garage Sale, Sat, June 8, 9am-4pm, Broadway Hill Park, E Republican St & Federal Ave E 

And For Today

Living in South Lake Union

Learn what height increases in South Lake Union will mean for the availability of affordable housing in the developing neighborhood at this forum sponsored by the Transportation Choices Coalition. City council member Mike O'Brien, developers, and low-income housing advocates will discuss the land use changes and how to incorporate affordable housing and density into the rapidly changing cityscape.

Affordable Housing and Density in South Lake Union, June 7, Noon-1pm, Rm 121, 401 5th Ave, free. 

An American in Communist China

Join filmmakers Lucy Ostrander and Don Sellers for a special screening of their film The Revolutionary at this month's installment of the Meaningful Movies series.

The film chronicles the life of Sidney Rittenberg, an American living in post-WWII China who joined the Chinese Communist Party and China's Broadcast Administration. However, after a fall-out with the party, Rittenberg served 16 years in solitiary confinement, after which he returned to the United States in 1980. The Revolutionary portrays his life through interviews with Rittenberg about his unique experience as an American insider in communist China and the historical context surrounding his story. 

Meaningful Movies: The Revolutionary, Fri, June 7, 6:30-9:30pm, Keystone Congregational United Church of Christ, 5019 Keystone Place N., free. 

Want to see your nerdy event featured on the PubliCalendar?
Send the details to Carryn at [email protected].