Rob Two Hawks, a life-long resident of East Palestine, Ohio, stands in front of a mural in his hometown. A 2023 train derailment in East Palestine is the topic of the next installment of "The Current," an on-going speaker series sponsored by Penn State Beaver and local non-profit RiverWise. The April 13 will be held at The Baby Bello in Beaver Falls and will feature an art exhibit, a documentary film and discussion.
BEAVER FALLS, Pa. — "The Current in the Community: Lessons from the East Palestine Train Derailment," a special event focused on the February 2023 derailment in Ohio, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. April 13 in The Baby Bello, at 2200 Ninth Ave., Beaver Falls. Refreshments will be provided.
"The Current: A Beaver County Speaker Series" is a discussion forum designed to generate conversations about what Beaver County has been, what it is becoming, and how it fits into the emerging story of human history. Sponsored by RiverWise and Penn State Beaver, the latest installment is also being supported by The Baby Bello.
The event will feature an art gallery, documentary short film and panel discussion that seeks to both honor those impacted by the train derailment and highlight what this environmental disaster means for the future of the region.
Panelists will include East Palestine residents, advocates and others affected and displaced by the derailment. During the question-and-answer session, the discussion will focus on what makes a resilient community, where industry fits into the story of the region and how collective power can create change.
The evening will begin with an art exhibit displaying photographs, short videos and other media from RiverWise’s recent project in partnership with Clean Air Action Fund titled “Still Here.” At 7 p.m., guests will watch a short documentary that follows several residents as they discuss the aftermath of the derailment.
Following the film, Daniel Rossi-Keen, executive director of RiverWise, will lead the panel discussion.
Registration is required for this event, and space is limited. Attendance is free, but donations will be accepted for local organizations serving affected residents.
