I’m Not Leaving, a documentary

In 2003, the United Nations established April 7 as “International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda.”  For the thirtieth anniversary of the start of the genocide, the Dayton Council on World Affairs is screening, “I’m Not Leaving”. 

The film chronicles the story of Carl Wilkens, the only American who refused to leave the country.  This harrowing yet hopeful documentary weaves together a story of tremendous risk and fierce compassion in the face of one of the most violent moments of the 20th century. Venturing out each day into streets crackling with mortars and gunfire, Wilkens worked his way through roadblocks of angry, bloodstained soldiers and civilians armed with machetes and assault rifles in order to bring food, water, and medicine to groups of orphans trapped around the city. Together with his Rwandan colleagues Carl helped save hundreds of lives.  Wilkens risked his life to save hundreds of Rwandans, 

The presentation will begin with the film screening followed by a presentation by a local teacher who traveled with Wilkens in 2023 and then Q/A.