Museum of the Albemarle Harlem Renaissance Centennial Celebration Saturday, February 22, 6:30—8:30 p.m.
Elizabeth City, N.C. –A new video premiers as part of this evening’s event, sponsored by a grant from the NC General Assembly. The premier of the video, Underground Railroad in Northeast North Carolina, created by videographer, Angie Staheli, begins promptly at 6 :30 p.m. Dr. Ben Speller, past president of the Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle, will introduce the film.
Afterwards, step into the 20th century and enjoy An Evening of Entertainment, planned with assistance from the Albemarle Voices for Diverse Culture. 2020 marks the centennial of the Harlem Renaissance that took place in Harlem, New York and spanned more than a decade. It marks the turning point in black cultural history. “It helped African American writers and artists gain control over the representation of black cultural and experience, and it provided them a place in Western high culture.”
Gwen Jenkins, Director of Music, Portsmouth High School, will bring Porte Towne Magic!, a performing choir group of high school students from the Portsmouth Public Schools in Portsmouth, Virginia. They will be presenting The Harlem Renaissance: A Tribute to the Past, Present, and Future. Through dance, music and literature, Porte Towne Magic! will explore through the performing arts the roots and impact that this era in time has had on our culture. There will be African and modern dancing, appropriate vocal and instrumental music, the recitation of poetry and other literature written by era-representative artists, and steel drumming. Approximately fifty-five students and teachers are involved in this project and will be present at the event.
Following the performance hors d’ourves and beverages will be served in the lobby turned ‘speak-easy style piano bar”. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in 1920s style clothing and have their photos taken. The evening’s events are FREE and open to the public.
For more information please call 252-335-1453.
For more information about Port Town Magic! www.ppsk12.us/about_pps/departments/departments.
