“Singing for Justice” Documentary and Concert

About The Event

Sponsored by Folknet (https://folknet.org/)
and Roots of American Music (https://www.rootsofamericanmusic.org/)

The documentary “Singing for Justice”, an hour-long film about Faith Petric, a folk singer who sang for the rights of all Americans, makes its Cleveland debut on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Forest Hill Church, Presbyterian, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. In addition, a host of local folk musicians will also perform following the film. Social justice organizations will have information tables at the event. The event is sponsored by Folknet, Northeast Ohio’s folk, traditional music and dance society, and Roots of American Music, an organization dedicated to bringing music to all through education and performance.

Having met Faith Petric when she lived in San Francisco, Martha Loughridge suggested the movie “as a way to bring people together in the spirit of Faith Petric to face the challenging times and the dismantling of democracy that we are witnessing. It seemed like a great time to bring the documentary to Cleveland as many of us are justifiably troubled over the loss of our checks and balances, individual rights, democracy, and justice.”

Throughout her life, Faith Petric helped the depression-era migrant workers in California, marched for justice in Selma, Alabama and protested the war in Viet Nam. She died at the age of 98. Filmmaker Christie Herring and Atlanta Musician John McCutcheon have brought the film to life with the help of Estelle Freedman. Said McCutcheon, “She was the living embodiment of what it meant to be a dedicated activist and an artist your entire life.”

In addition to the documentary, a host of singer-songwriters will perform with their own justice songs, many of which will focus on topics that would make Faith Petric proud. Performers include: Ed Amann, Warren Bendler, Noah and David Budin, Liz Bullock, Sam Hooper, Charlie Mosbrook , Deborah Van Kleef, and Markus Whitmire.

Doors open at 1:30 PM. Guests can explore the various organizational tables throughout the event space. The documentary “Singing for Justice” will begin at 2:00 PM, followed by the performances from 3:00 – 4:30PM. Soft drinks and snacks will be available for sale.

A suggested donation of $15.00 and advance registration will be available through https://folknet.org/. Donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.