MEDIA ADVISORY: “Troubled Waters” premiere film screening

JCC Indianapolis to host May 7 premiere screening of film that examines the desegregation of the Riviera Club

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – On Sunday, May 7 at 2 pm, the JCC will host the premiere screening of the documentary Troubled Waters: The Integration of the Riviera Club. Directed by Emily Reuben, the documentary explores the 1974 Bates v. Riviera Club Inc. court case, which forced the club to desegregate its pool. Though the 1964 Civil Rights Act desegregated public pools, private clubs were still legally permitted to segregate due to a provision in the law. Using interviews as well as archival research, the film highlights the efforts of members of the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood and surrounding communities.

Immediately following the screening will be a panel where attendees can ask questions of the film’s director, Emily Reuben; the current general manager of the Riviera Club, Jimm Moody; and former lawyer for the plaintiffs and current member of the Indiana House of Representatives, Ed DeLaney. The panel will be moderated by Kent Newton, a member of JCC Indianapolis’ Board of Directors.

About Riviera Club

The Riviera Club is a longtime Butler Tarkington institution, founded in 1933 to provide a quality, family-oriented, private, social and recreational club. The Riviera Club is dedicated to maintaining a safe, wholesome, and friendly environment with a USA Swimming accredited swim program, coached by several nationally acclaimed coaches that produced four Olympic gold medalists including Kathy Ellis, who won four medals at the 1964 Olympics, and Trischa Zorn, who won 46 medals in the Paralympics between 1980 and 2004. As The Riviera Club continues into its 90th year, its vision for the future includes a new indoor aquatics facility and expanded dining capabilities. Founded in 2019, The Riviera Club Foundation spearheads programming to expand wellness and teach Hoosiers how to swim.

About JCC Indianapolis

Via pre-school, school age, fitness and arts programming, the JCC of Indianapolis provides inclusive experiences that lead to personal growth and community building, all guided by Jewish values and traditions. Together, we inspire all people to become the best versions of themselves. Established in Indianapolis in 1914, the JCC is located on the north side of Indianapolis at Arthur M. Glick JCC, 6701 Hoover Road. It is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis and United Way of Central Indiana, and an affiliate member of the JCC Association of North America.

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JCC Media Contact: Hanna Fogel, JCC Assistant Director of Communications, hfogel@jccindy.org