PORTSMOUTH — Shawnee State University’s Teaching and Learning Center and Clark Memorial Library will host a screening of the Sundance award-winning documentary “Inequality For All” on income inequality, the shrinking middle class and how this has affected America’s economy and democracy.

The special screening will be shown in Clark Memorial Library’s Flohr Lecture Hall at 5 p.m. on Thursday followed by a faculty-led discussion.

“We will be providing faculty, students, and the community with the opportunity to view and discuss this award-winning documentary about income inequality in our nation and the way it has shaped our economy and democracy,” said Pat Spradlin, TLC director and associate professor of English and humanities.

The film shows how the American economy is in crisis. Enter Robert Reich, Secretary of Labor under Clinton, revered professor, charismatic pundit and author of thirteen books. “Bob” as he’s referred to in the film is the guide, shining a light on the urgency of this issue.

“Economic imbalances are now at near historically unprecedented levels,” he said.

According to reports, in 1970 the top 1 percent of earners took home 9 percent of the nation’s income. Today they take in approximately 23 percent. The top 1 percent holds more than 35 percent of the nation’s overall wealth, while the bottom 50 percent controls a meager 2.5 percent. The last time wealth was this concentrated was in 1928, on the eve of the Great Depression.

The debate about income inequality has become part of the national discussion, and “Inequality for All” connects the dots for viewers, showing why dealing with the widening gap between the rich and everyone else isn’t just about moral fairness.

The issues addressed in this film are arguably the most pressing of our times. The film alternates between intimate, approachable sequences and intellectually rigorous arguments helping people with no economic background or education better understand the issues at stake.

For more information about “Inequality for All” and to view the trailer, visit www.InequalityForAll.com.