October 11, 1991 (Part 1 of 2)

Last week, the New York Times hosted a live, streamed interview with Kerry Washington and Anita Hill.  We attended the event in person.  

Event Program

You recognize Kerry Washington, the award-winning actress and star of Scandal, right?  But do you recall seeing Anita Hill when she was on television on October 11, 1991?    

Greg does. October 11, 1991 is the date when Anita Hill testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court.  The televised hearing lasted into the evening.  Greg was attending a dinner party at the Washington, D.C. home of Paul and Melli Nelson.  Being gracious hosts, they recognized their guests' interest in the breaking news and turned on their television.  Understandably, people were riveted to the television, instead of socializing.

Anita Hill in 1991

Anita Hill testified that Clarence Thomas sexually harassed her when she worked for him.  The Committee members found the conduct implausible and ignored her testimony.  Mr. Thomas' appointment was confirmed.

Fast forward 25 years.  HBO has produced a new film, Confirmation, starring Kerry Washington of Scandal fame as Anita Hill.  The film, which will premiere April 16, tells both the on-camera and behind-the-scenes stories of Ms. Hill's role in the Clarence Thomas confirmation process.

Kerry Washington as Anita Hill in 2016

What impressed Greg most was Professor Hill's courage to participate in the political process and to calmly tell the truth, notwithstanding the humiliation and scorn she faced.  Susan was most impressed with actress Kerry Washington's enthusiastic description of how "Confirmation" portrays the powerful process that's at work during the judicial confirmation hearings, and how the movie is not merely a recap of what "he said/she said.".

Created in 1998, "TimesTalks are live, online and video conversations between New York Times journalists and 21st-century talents and thinkers."

Event Program

Kerry Washington and Anita Hill, with interviewer Melena Ryzik, NYT culture reporter

If you want to watch the interview, click here.

Next up:  Part2--An interesting parallel.