Upcoming Programs at The Schomburg Center

One of the most forgotten elements of the Civil Rights Movement is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s efforts to get President John F. Kennedy to write a "Second Emancipation Proclamation." Read more about King's Forgotten Manifesto (New York Times, May 16, 2012), in which he argues for an executive order that would ban segregation in the same way the Emancipation Proclamation outlawed slavery. Take part in an engaging discussion between professor and authors David Blight and Khalil Gibran Muhammad as they discuss this fascinating history in celebration of MLK’s birthday.

Gregory Porter, a sharp-dressing showstopper, has exploded onto the international scene as the newly crowned king of vocal jazz. You can hardly ask for more when you hear Porter’s righteous baritone, soulful scatting, and warm musicality.

Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concert Series is a program of the Weill Music Institute and is sponsored by Target®.

Join Maurice Hines, host of the Apollo Club Harlem, and members of the cast and creative team for a live conversation. The Apollo Club Harlem will recreate the glamour, electricity, and elegance of the hottest Harlem Clubs of the 30s and 40s with a stunning roster of contemporary talent in February 2013.

Presented in collaboration with the Apollo Theater.

Presented by the Schomburg Junior Scholars and Jonathan Gayles, PhD (Georgia State University), THE BLACK COMIC BOOK FESTIVAL is a dynamic festival for young people that celebrates the rich tradition of black superheroes and features a screening of the  film “White Scripts and Black Supermen: Black Masculinities in Comic Books”;  a pop-up art exhibition of “Black Kirby”- a visual homage to the legendary comic book artist Jack Kirby by artists John Jennings (SUNY Buffalo) and Stacey Robinson; panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and exhibit tables with premiere black comic book artists from across the country.  Free.  All ages welcome.  Registration is required. Contact schomburged@nypl.org.  

Inspired by the Civil Rights era, the late Elizabeth Catlett became one of the world’s most treasured artists of the 20th century— defining the courage, hope and beauty of African-American life in America. Join notable scholars, poets and artists remembering her life and contributions!

This event is presented in collaboration with African Voices and related to the exhibition Cover to Cover, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of African Voices magazine. Photo essays and other archival pieces will give viewers a historical perspective on black art and literature featured in African Voices. 

Join author Ayana Mathis for a discussion of her debut novel, The Twelve Tribes of Hattie—an Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 pick. The Twelve Tribes of Hattie tells the epic story of Hattie Shepherd and her nine children, while painting a vivid portrait of one family’s tribulations against the backdrop of the Great Migration. A book signing will follow the program. 

Join Brandice N. Henderson, CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row, in a lively discussion with noted fashion professionals.  Henderson aims—via Conversations—to create a bridge of communication across disparate groups in the fashion community with the hope of inspiring, educating, and enlightening.

Join director Steve Zegan for the New York premiere of his documentary, which gives an honest and up close look at Res’s journey as an independent musician. Res will perform as well as participate in a talkback discussion with Zegan.

Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door. To purchase tickets, call (888) 718-4253 or visit www.showclix.com.

Presented by ImageNation Cinema Foundation in collaboration with the Schomburg Center.

If you like the rhythmic styles, such as the hustle, salsa, ballroom, or just love to dance, then join the New York Steppers for lessons on Chicago Style Steppin’. The afternoon will feature smooth, soulful music, adult interaction, and fun.

Join Tanya Hernandez (Fordham University), author of Racial Subordination in Latin America: The Role of the State, Customary Law, and the New Civil Rights Response, in conversation with Paulette Caldwell (York University). Hernandez and Caldwell will take a comprehensive look at racial inequality in Latin America.  

Enjoy this must-see documentary that tells the stories of what African-American veterans faced when they returned home from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Join some of the veterans featured in the film for a talkback following the screening.

Originally from the West African nation of Benin, Lionel Loueke harnesses his deep knowledge of African music to create a heartfelt, evocative sound that features harmonic complexity and original guitar techniques. Praised by his mentor Herbie Hancock as a “musical painter,” Loueke draws you in with his husky baritone, tender falsetto, and fresh energetic sound.

Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concert Series is a program of the Weill Music Institute and is sponsored by Target®. 

Please join photographers Tyrone Rasheed, Val Goodloe, and Fred Watkins as they discuss their roles and experiences as true visual contributors to African-American and American cultures through their lenses as Ebony Magazine photographers. Moderated by Grace Anieza Ali, founder, Of Note Magazine, and curated by Terrence Jennings.