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| John Fleming, executive producer of America I AM: The African American Imprint, stands next to Prince’s guitar |
The Great Escape: 6 Cultural Activities to Enjoy This Summer
Searching for some cultural stimulation this summer? We thought so. Check out these six events from around the country that you don’t want to miss. –jh
1. America I AM: the African American Imprint – Atlanta
America I AM: the African American Imprint is a traveling museum exhibit that celebrates nearly 500 years of African American contribution to the nation through artifacts, documents, multimedia photos and music. “Once people leave the exhibit they will have a better understanding of who we are as an American people, and how we came to be,” says John Fleming, executive producer of the exhibition. The exhibition will feature12 galleries that include artifacts including Prince’s guitar from his recent Super Bowl performance, sports memorabilia from Michael Jordan and Arthur Ashe, the typewriter Alex Haley used to write Roots and much more. The tour will stop at the Atlanta Civic Center from June 12–Sept. 6. Visit AmericaIAM.org for more information.
The key to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birmingham, Ala., jail cell.
2. Ruined – New York
Set in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this tale of pain and triumph exposes the intricacies of a land torn apart by civil war. Following Mama, a shrewd businesswoman, the play offers a poignant glimpse into human heartache and joy. Location: City Center Studios. Dates: Now through June 28. Call (212) 581-1212 for more information.
3. Los Angeles Film Festival – Los Angeles
Drawing over 85,000 attendees annually, this festival is a refuge for film enthusiasts of all sorts. Catch the next “big” flick before everyone else, and have a reason to brag to your friends about your thespian insight. Location: Westwood Village. Dates: June 18–28. Visit: lafilmfest.com.
4. Beyond Swastikas and Jim Crow: Jewish Refugee Scholars at Black Colleges, New York
Here’s a little-known fact: more than 50 Jewish scholars who were exiled from Europe during the Holocaust came to America and taught at HBCUs. Learn about their experience at this event. Location: Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. Dates: Now–July 1. Visit: Newyork.timeout.org.
5. Kernel of Sanity – New York
Ready for story time? This is event for you. As part of the new Federal Theater’s Literary Breed Reading Series, this reading follows the fictional journey of a black actor who is traveling cross-country from New York to California. Location: Barons Art Center at the Henry Street Settlement. Visit henrystreet.org for more information.
6. The Grant Park Music Festival – Chicago
If you’re looking to enjoy some real jazz, consider the Grant Park Music Festival this year. Featuring symphonies and, of course, talented jazz musicians, this year’s festival is sure to carry on the rich tradition of highlighting some of the nation’s most talented musicians. Location: Grant Park. Dates: June 10–Aug. 15. Visit: grantparkmusicfestival.com.
