I attended a powerful showing of the film “The Hate U Give” Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Vashon Island High School auditorium and was disappointed to find the space only about half full. In light of the subject matter and the story having to do with high school age kids and racial issues, this seems to have been a missed opportunity for some profound in-class discussion among teenagers and their teachers.

In addition, three very skilled young African American poets presented their poetry regarding their experiences of living in America — a moving experience as well.

These three young people have offered to return to Vashon, and it is my hope that the program can be repeated in conjunction with an afternoon session of some kind at the high school so that many more young people might attend.

— Katie Bunnell