Josiah Lawson PBS documentary screening in Arcata postponed
By Ash Ramirez
I think this story highlights something happening in towns and cities across California and the nation: the uncomfortable conversations about race and law enforcement, and to a lesser degree the effects of changing demographics can bring to a community.”
Karen Foshay, KCET Executive Producer
Two years after the death of David Josiah Lawson, a former Humboldt State University student, KCET, a Southern California PBS station, will air a new documentary from SOCAL CONNECTED: “Who Killed Josiah?” this month. The documentary was originally scheduled to be shown locally on Saturday, Oct. 26 but due to the recent power outages, the screening has been postponed to a date to be announced.
The Justice for David Josiah Lawson group will be hosting a screening on Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. at the Arcata United Methodist Church. Donations are welcomed and will go towards legal funds.
The documentary is about David Josiah Lawson, an HSU student who was killed at an off-campus party on April 15, 2017. Lawson’s case currently remains open and although it’s been two years, there is still no justice.
Karen Foshay, the executive producer of SoCal Connected, said that KCET decided to make this documentary because although Josiah was a student at HSU he was a lifelong resident of Southern California.
“This is a complicated story and we did our best to give it the time and space it deserves,” Foshay said. “More broadly, I think this story highlights something happening in towns and cities across California and the nation: the uncomfortable conversations about race and law enforcement, and to a lesser degree the effects of changing demographics can bring to a community.”
Foshay and her crew spent three months researching, filming and editing the documentary.
“No matter where you live, I think you’ll watch this story and find something to connect with or relate to. It’s got a lot of layers to it,” said Foshay.
The “Who Killed Josiah?” KCET documentary will be the second episode in season 10 of SoCal Connected, which covers issues that affect Southern California.
KCET is Southern California’s home for award-winning public media programming.
Its channels are not broadcasted in Humboldt County, however, it is also available online at kcet.org.
