African-American Calendar
Events for March, 2010
Much in Demand: 200 Years of Central Virginia African American Military Service
Saturday June 20, 2009 - Saturday May 1, 2010
Legacy Museum
403 Monroe Street map it
Lynchburg, VA 24505
This exhibit traces the ways the status of African Americans in the larger society shaped their experiences in the military. Dianne Swann-Wright, director and founding curator of the Frederick Douglas - Isaac Myers Maritime Park in Baltimore, is guest curator.
The exhibit explores the following themes:
More Information...
- Central Virginia's African Americans, like people of African descent living elsewhere, fought in military conflicts dating back to the American Revolution.
- African Americans fought racial discrimination in the military while fighting for the principles of liberty and democracy.
- Military service changed the lives of African Americans living in Central Virginia in significant ways.
- Military service expanded Central Virginia's African American military men and women's social and economic horizons.
- Central Virginia's African American men and women had successful experiences in the military, bringing honor to themselves, their families, and communities.
"The Portent: John Brown's Raid in American Memory"
Saturday October 10, 2009 - Sunday April 11, 2010
Virginia Historical Society
428 North Boulevard map it
Richmond, VA 23220This exhibition is the first-ever critical analysis by a southern institution of an episode that, on the eve of the Civil War, broke open sectionalist fissures. Brown demanded that his contemporaries take a moral stance on slavery, and to this day a mention of his attack spurs debate about issues of justice, terrorism, liberation, and vigilantism. The story of Brown’s early life, his fervent religious beliefs, his turn to violence as an abolitionist in Kansas, and his Virginia raid and its aftermath will be told in the exhibition, part of the national acknowledgement of the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on the Federal Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Contemporary reactions to the raid and to the trial and execution of John Brown will be discussed and visitors will see a display of objects and books related to the raid. See www.vahistorical.org for gallery hours and admission fees.
Exhibition: Take Our Stand: The African American Military Experience in the Age of Jim Crow
Friday February 5, 2010 - Saturday May 29, 2010
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
00 Clay Street map it
Richmond, VA 23219A new traveling exhibit considers the evolution of the Black military experience and the quest for equality, from the 1898 Spanish-American War to the desegregation of the U.S. military in 1948. Admission $5 adults, $4 seniors,students and teachers; $3 children 12 and under. Call (804) 780-9093 or visit http://www.blackhistorymuseum.org/index.html
Tuesday February 9, 2010 - Tuesday March 30, 2010
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Bel Rio Restaurant
407 Monticello Road map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902What is traditional music? What relevance does it have for us today in the 21st century? This noncredit series explores these questions through the lens of folklore, ethnomusicology, and performance. Students gain access to the world of traditional music by attending private performances,multimedia presentations, and engaging in conversations with musicians, folklorists, and ethnomusicologists. Guest performers from the Virginia Folklife program will include Maggie Ingram and family on February 16. Traditions under study include old-time, bluegrass, samba, jazz, blues, gospel, Sephardic, and Mande/Voltaic. Students will gain an insider's knowledge and a greater appreciation for traditional music and some of its greatest artists and experts in the Commonwealth today. Eight Tuesday evening sessions. Fee: $150. Registration recommended by early February. Call (434) 982-2779 or visit www.scps.virginia.edu/
Mapping Local Knowledge: Danville, VA 1945 - 1975
Monday March 1, 2010 - Saturday March 13, 2010
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center
820 Bruce Street map it
South Boston, VA 24592A photo exhibit based on Halifax County native Emma Edmunds' oral history project about the Civil Rights Movement in Danville, Virginia,is currently on display on the second floor of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in South Boston. The exhibit includes photos by Tom Cogill and compelling excerpts from ten oral histories.
Sin and Soup: Brown Bag Lecture Series
Wednesday March 3, 2010
12:00 PM
St. John's Episcopal Church
1 Mountain Ave SW map it
Roanoke, VA 24016This event is part of The Big Read.
The Reverend Barkley Thompson, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, leads a discussion on religious and moral issues in A Lesson Before Dying. For more information, visit bigreadroanokevalley.org
Bela Fleck - the Africa Project
Thursday March 4, 2010
7:30 PM
The Jefferson Center
541 Luck Ave SW map it
Roanoke, VA 24016
Celebrate African-American culture and the Big Read in Virginia in the Roanoke Valley. Virtuoso banjoist Bela Fleck and an extraordinary ensemble of all-star African musicians transcend barriers of language and culture with African music. Details at bigreadroanokevalley.org.
The Life and Art of Ernest J. Gaines: Re-Imagining Black Southern Manhood
Thursday March 4, 2010
7:00 PM
Greene Branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library
222 Main Street map it
Stanardsville, VA 22973Keith Clark of George Mason University and author of Black Manhood in James Baldwin, Ernest J. Gaines, and August Wilson presents a program on the influences that shaped Gaines and a discussion of his life and work.
Travels of a Lyrical Ambassador
Friday March 5, 2010
8:00 PM
The Jefferson Center
541 Luck Ave SW map it
Roanoke, VA 24016
Celeberate African-American culture and the Big Read in Virginia in the Roanoke Valley. Toni Blackman, international champion of hip-hop culture revolutionizes the mic with her orignal songs and spoken-word poetry. Details at bigreadroanokevalley.org
Staged Reading: A Lesson Before Dying
Saturday March 6, 2010
2:00 PM
Studio Roanoke
30 Campbell Avenue, SW map it
Roanoke, VA 24011
A staged reading of the play, "A Lesson Before Dying" by Romulus Linney. No charge, but you must call (540) 343-3054 to reserve a seat.
Big Read C.S.I. (Crime Scene Investigation)
Saturday March 6, 2010
1:00 PM
Central Branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library (McIntire Room)
201 East Market Street map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902Charlottesville Police Detective Mark Fields will apply current-day forensics techniques to the case in A Lesson Before Dying. His lecture will include the equipment and techniques of the 1940's, their applications as related to the book, demonstrations with current equipment and material, and examples of how physical evidence can be used in court.
Sunday March 7, 2010
2:00 PM
Roanoke College (Pickle Lounge in the Colket Center)
221 College Lane map it
Salem, VA 24153Co-authors Todd Peppers and Laura Anderson speak on the story in their book, Anatomy of an Execution, concerning the life, trial, and execution of a Virginia juvenile offender. Peppers, associate professor in the Public Affairs Department at Roanoke College, explores issues such as the death penalty. Anderson, the condemned man's high school teacher, will speak on her experience as his spiritual advisor while he was on death row. For more information, visit www.bigreadroanokevalley.org.
Tuesday March 9, 2010
7:00 PM
Albemarle County Circuit Court
501 East Jefferson Street map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902
A panel discussion moderated by Dahlia Lithwick, columnist for Slate.com and Newsweek. Panelists include: Robert Lee, attorney with the Virginia Capital Representation Resource Center, Steven Rosenfield, local attorney, and Karen Waters, Director of the Quality Community Center.
Race and the Death Penalty: A Panel Discussion
Tuesday March 9, 2010
7:00 PM
Albemarle County Circuit Court
501 E. Jefferson St - Court Square map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Panel moderated by Dahlia Lithwick, contributing editor at "Newsweek" and senior editor at "Slate." Panelists include: Robert Lee, attorney with the Virginia Capital Representation Resource Center; Steven Rosenfield, local attorney; and Karen Waters, Director of the Quality Community Council.
Sin and Soup: Brown Bag Lecture Series
Wednesday March 10, 2010
12:00 PM
2nd Helpings, Civic Center Mall
1502 Williamson Road, NE map it
Roanoke, VA 24012Rescue Mission COO Joy Sylvester-Johnson and Director of Development John Sylvester-Johnson discuss religious and moral issues in A Lesson Before Dying. For more information, visit www.bigreadroanokevalley.org.
A Lesson Before Dying Book Discussion
Wednesday March 10, 2010
6:30 PM
Williamson Road Branch Library
3837 Williamson Road, NW map it
Roanoke, VA 24012Group discussion of A Lesson Before Dying led by librarian MaryLou Puritz.
Gordon Ave. Library: Wednesday Night Book Group
Wednesday March 10, 2010
7:30 PM
Gordon Avenue Branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library
1500 Gordon Ave Library map it
Charlottesville, VA 22903Book discussion of A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines. The story of two African American men struggling to attain manhood in a prejudiced society, the tale is set in Bayonne, La. in the late 1940s. It concerns Jefferson, a mentally slow, barely literate young man, who, though an innocent bystander to a shootout between a white store owner and two black robbers, is convicted of murder and sentenced to death, and the sophisticated, educated man who comes to his aid.
Central Library: Brown Baggers Book Group
Thursday March 11, 2010
12:00 PM
JMRL: Central Library
201 E. Market St map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902Book discussion of Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. Obliged to borrow a book when her corgis stray into a mobile library, the Queen discovers a passion for reading, setting the palace upon its head and causing the royal head of Great Britain to question her role in the monarchy.
Film Showing at the Taubman Museum of Art
Friday March 12, 2010
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
The Taubman Museum
110 Salem Avenue map it
Roanoke, VA 24011The film version of A Lesson Before Dying, directed by Joseph Sargent, won two Emmy awards when it was released in 1999. the following year it won a Humanitas Prize. Don Cheadle and Cicely Tyson star in this true-to-the-book rendition. Free of charge.
Friday March 12, 2010
7:00 PM
Scottsville Branch, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library
330 Bird Street map it
Scottsville, VA 24590Watch the HBO adaptation of A Lesson Before Dying starring Don Cheadle and Cicely Tyson
Reading Biracialism and Identity in A Lesson Before Dying
Saturday March 13, 2010
2:00 PM
Barnes and Noble - Tanglewood
4478 Electric Road SW map it
Roanoke, VA 24018
Cheryl Hopson, Roanoke College Visiting Professor.
Lessons from Ernest Gaines's Novel
Saturday March 13, 2010
2:30 PM
Wyndham Robertson Library at Hollins University (Hollins Room)
7950 East Campus Drive map it
Roanoke, VA 24019
A panel of Hollins University English and history professors examines Gaines's work. Followed by a reception. Call (540) 362-6328 for more information.
Saturday March 13, 2010
1:30 PM
JMRL: Central Library
201 E. Market St map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902In A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, Miss Emma's gumbo brings solace and comfort to young Jefferson. In honor of the importance of soul food and how it symbolizes love of family and community, the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library is having a "Great Gumbo Contest." Visit jmrl.org for guidelines and more information. Show off your gumbo making skills at THE BIG READ contest!
Sunday March 14, 2010
2:00 PM
Louisa County Library
881 Davis Highway map it
Mineral, VA 23117Watch the HBO adaptation of A Lesson Before Dying starring Don Cheadle and Cicely Tyson.
Tuesday March 16, 2010
6:30 PM
Blue Ridge Public Library
28 Avery Row map it
Roanoke, VA 24012A writing workshop exploring the role of voice in A Lesson Before Dying, led by author and journalist Dan Smith.
The Ultimate Sanction: A Commentary on the Administration of Justice in A Lesson Before Dying
Tuesday March 16, 2010
7:00 PM
Virginia Western Community College Natural Science Center
3102 Colonial Avenue, SW map it
Roanoke, VA 24038
A panel discussion. Call (540) 857-6326 or visit www.bigreadroanokevalley.org for more information.
Piedmont Blues Showcase with Rick Franklin
Tuesday March 16, 2010
9:00 PM
Bel Rio
407D Monticello Rd map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902Rick Franklin is a great proponent of the highly syncopated, intricate guitar technique of Piedmont or East Coast Blues from Virginia and North Carolina, following in the footsteps of such past greats as John Jackson and John Cephas. Since 1981, Rick has been playing and singing the Blues at festivals and community events, clubs and cafes in an around Washington, DC. Admission $5. Call 434-979-5299 or go to http://www.belriocharlottesville.com/index.html
Wednesday March 17, 2010 - Sunday March 21, 2010
Venues through Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Join us for the 16th annual Virginia Festival of the Book. Visit vabook.org for information, participants, events, and venues.
Give My Poor Heart Ease: Voices of the Mississippi Blues
Thursday March 18, 2010
2:00 AM
The Southern Cafe and Music Hall
103 South First Street map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902The Virginia Folklife Program and the Virginia Festival of the Book present author Bill Ferris, UNC Professor of History, former NEH Chairman and folklorist. Ferris will share the words and music of blues and gospel musicians from the Mississippi Delta, recorded in interviews he conducted in the 1960s and 70s and documented in his new book, Give My Poor Heart Ease, published by the UNC Press. Moderated by Virginia Sate Folklorist Jon Lohman, this event is free and open to the public. http://www.vabook.org/site10/program/details.php?eventID=149
The Life and Art of Ernest J. Gaines: Re-Imagining Black Southern Manhood
Saturday March 20, 2010
8:00 PM
The Claude Moore Education Complex at The Roanoke Higher Education Center
108 North Jefferson Street map it
Roanoke, VA 24016
Keith Clark, George Mason University associate professor of African-American Studies and English. Call (540) 767-6161 or visit www.bigreadroanokevalley.org for more information.
IndiVisible:African-Native American Lives in the Americas
Saturday March 20, 2010
12:00 AM
City Council Chambers
605 E. Main St. map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Gabrielle Tayac (Piscataway), editor, with contributors Judy Kertesz and Ron Welburn, examine the previously untold stories of identities of Americans who share Native and African-American heritage.
"A Lesson Before Dying" on the Big Screen
Monday March 22, 2010
4:30 PM
Gainsboro Library
15 Patton Avenue NW map it
Roanoke, VA 24016A showing of the film A Lesson Before Dying.
Storytime: The Skin You Live In
Tuesday March 23, 2010
10:30 AM
Gainsboro Library
15 Patton Avenue NW map it
Roanoke, VA 24016
Wednesday March 24, 2010
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Gordon Avenue Branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library
1500 Gordon Avenue map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902Self-expression features prominently in the Big Read's A Lesson Before Dying. Join Kevin Quirk for a memoir writing workshop to unlock your own stories. Mr. Quirk is a successful local author who also teaches writing classes through the University of Virginia's continuing education program. Space is limited. To sign up, please call Northside Library at 434-973-7893 starting January 27th.
Sin and Soup: Brown Bag Lecture Series. "How We See or Don't See Each Other"
Wednesday March 24, 2010
12:00 PM
Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall
1101 Franklin Road, SW map it
Roanoke, VA 24016
The Reverend Dr. W. Benjamin Pratt, author and retired United Methodist Pastoral Psychotherapist, Fairfax, VA.
Thursday March 25, 2010
6:30 PM
Gainsboro Library
15 Patton Avenue NW map it
Roanoke, VA 24016
A panel discussion.
Saturday March 27, 2010
1:00 PM
Taubman Museum of Art
110 Salem Avenue, SE map it
Roanoke, VA 24011This event repeats at 7:00pm.
1:00pm: The film Intruder in the Dust based on William Faulkner's book. 7:00pm: A Lesson Before Dying. Commentary by Josh Chapman, Assistant Director of Community High School and a teacher in the M.A.L.S. program at Hollins University and Simon Nolen, a teacher at Community High School who holds a degree in Film and Media Arts.
Wednesday March 31, 2010
1:00 PM
Virginia Western Community College Student Commons Area
3096 Colonial Avenue, SW* map it
Roanoke, VA 24038Live jazz complements the reading and recitation of poetry based on themes from A Lesson Before Dying. For more information call (540) 857-7303 or (545) 857-6326 or visit www.bigreadroanokevalley.org.
*Call for exact address
