Holly Flynn, coordinator of outreach and engagement for the library, said it’s a good chance for students to become civically engaged with current issues. 

“We already had this film, and we already had public performance rights to it,” Flynn said. “So, after Justice Ginsburg passed away, I thought it would be a good time to show the film, especially before the election.”

Directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, and co-produced by Storyville Films and CNN Films, "RBG" was released in 2018.

Partnering with the MSU Library is the MSU Michael and Elaine Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel. Professor Kirsten Fermaglich, who primarily works in MSU’s Department of History, has a joint appointment with the institute and is the keynote speaker for the event. 

Fermaglich said much of her work spotlights feminist activism during the 20th century. Linking Ginsburg with other 20th century Jewish feminists, Fermaglich said she’d place Ginsburg in the context of modern historical feminism while also reminding students of her current political and cultural significance. 

“I think it’s important for students, first of all, just to know this history,” Fermaglich said. “... We look around, and our lives have been shaped by the decisions of historical actors years ago, decades ago, generations ago. And watching this movie allows you to see how that happened. It allows you to see the ways that Ginsburg — this really brilliant lawyer — was able to engineer a change that people can see in their own lives.” 

The link to register for this event can be found here.