HBO’s “Confirmation” returns the spotlight to the historic 1991 hearings on the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Clarence Thomas. In the film, Thomas (Wendell Pierce of “The Wire”), must testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee after Anita Hill (Kerry Washington of “Scandal”), his former employee, claims that he sexually harassed her. Hill’s testimony and its aftermath changed political fortunes, set the foundation for the “Year of the Woman” that sent five women to the U.S. Senate, led to federal legislation on sexual harassment, and continues to resonate in cases ranging from sexual harassment allegations against Roger Ailes to Hillary Clinton’s run for the White House. After the screening, hear the recollections of JAWS members who covered and provided analysis on the hearings.
