Cultural TALKS: Disrupting Racism Through the LENS of the ARTS - Part 4

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach cordially invites you to join us for the Spring 2023 Cultural TALKS Speaker Series: Disrupting Racism Through the Lens of the Arts. Participants may join in person or virtually. 

Part 4: Exploring Juneteenth: How Did Emancipation Really Impact the Enslaved African

This virtual presentation will take students, faculty, and staff on a historical journey illuminating how art has been used to confront racism in America. Dr. McCurdy will start by sharing excerpts of musical examples demonstrating the dual purpose of the Negro spiritual and how it was used to “praise God” while revolting against slavery. Attendees will examine Billie Holiday, Sam Cooke, Paul Robeson, Marvin Gaye, Childish Gambino, and many other artistic examples to demonstrate how the arts helped to define the struggle for freedom and equality among African Americans.