On the occasion of the premiere of PBS' new series Making Black America, which examines histories of Black community-building in the face of racism and segregation, join us for an event spotlighting social change agents in North Philadelphia. Dr. Diane Turner, Curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, and Lovett Hines, Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, will introduce Making Black America and discuss Philadelphia's long history of social networks and organizations created by and for Black people-beyond the reach of the “White gaze.” Then we will screen the documentary QUEST, a moving portrait of the Raineys, a North Philadelphia family that nurtures a community of hip-hop artists in their basement home music studio. The film will be followed by a talkback with the Rainey family, with director Jonathan Olshefski, and with Reuben Jones, Executive Director of Frontline Dads, an organization that provides mentoring, leadership development and support to “at-risk” youth, single fathers, and formerly incarcerated citizens.
This event is free and open to the public.