2016 2016: UMassD welcomes back former congressman Barney Frank for documentary screening

University community invited to screening of ‘Compared to What?’ followed by Q&A with the former congressman

UMass Dartmouth will welcome back former Congressman Barney Frank to campus April 19, at 4 p.m., for a screening of Compared to What?: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank, at the University’s Claire T. Carney Library Stoico/FIRSTFED Foundation Grand Reading Room. Congressman Frank will participate in a Q&A session with the audience following the documentary screening.

A fresh and contemporary political drama with unparalleled access, Compared to What? provides a look behind the scenes at one of America’s most controversial and captivating public figures. Frank emerges as a true leader, a passionate “Lion of the House” and champion of progressive values, gay rights, and the proper role of government– and who, in the process, finally integrates his private and public lives.  A classic American story about a dedicated public servant who never loses hope.

Congressman Frank, whose former district included New Bedford, Dartmouth and part of Fall River, donated many historical documents and papers to establish the Congressman Barney Frank Collection at the Claire T. Carney Library. The majority of the collection spans his congressional career. National issues covered include financial reform, gay rights, the housing crisis, immigration reform, military spending, and environmental protection. Records of his many electoral campaigns for the U.S. House of Representatives include the hard-fought win over Republican Margaret Heckler in the 4th district in 1982.The collection also includes material on legislation he sponsored when he served in the Massachusetts State Legislature.

Barney Frank served in Congress from 1981 to 2013, serving as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee from 2007 to 2011. Previously he was a Massachusetts State Representative and an assistant to the Mayor of Boston. He has also taught at several Boston area universities.