Cooked: Survival by Zip Code Film Screening

Join for a powerful screening of Cooked: Survival by Zip Code, a documentary by Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Judith Helfand. This eye-opening film explores the 1995 Chicago heat wave, which claimed over 700 lives—mostly in poor, Black communities—and examines the intersection of climate change, systemic inequality, and disaster preparedness. Through compelling storytelling and archival footage, Cooked challenges viewers to rethink what counts as a disaster and who is most vulnerable.

This event is made possible through a generous partnership with the City of Charlotte’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring designers and climate change professionals on the importance of design, equity, resilience, and action in the face of climate and public health crises. Don’t miss this vital conversation.

Confirmed Panelists include:

• Bethany Milford, Program Manager, NC Public Health Collaboration
• Division Chief/Deputy Director Robert Graham, Charlotte Fire Department
• Jeff Robbins, CleanAIRE NC – Charlotte Mecklenburg Climate Leader
• Katherine Idziorek, AICP PhD, Charlotte Heat Mappers/ Assistant Professor, UNCC – Charlotte Mecklenburg Climate Leader

Food and beverages provided!

Parking options at the Urban Design Center are limited. We encourage the use of transit as we are steps from Bland Street Station. On-street/free parking is avaliable in limited areas of South End. Please check out the parking map by clicking on the link below.

https://southendclt.org/visit/parking

We look forward to seeing you there!