Du The Right Thing
April 7, 2012
The DuSable Museum of African American History
Du The Right Thing
Remember Samuel L. Jackson’s playful wake up call as radio host Senor Love Daddy at the opening of Do The Right Thing? Aside from being one of my favorite movies ever, that scene in particular resonates with me because every once in awhile, I need a WAKE UP call. You know what I mean?
Sometimes, I just need a loud, poignant reminder of the things that I should be doing or the books I should be reading or places I should be frequenting- places like The DuSable Museum.
I imagine though, that we all need a WAKE UP call every once in awhile. So, consider me a reincarnation of Senor Love Daddy: YOU NEED TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY. And to be clear, I’m talking to those folks younger than 25 years old.
Museums are not just spaces for the old or the wealthy or the hipster. Museums are spaces of cultural connectivity and often, directors, curators, and event planners desire more young people as members and volunteers! Forget what you think you know (or don’t know) about impressionism or post-modernism or sculpture or photography. Realize that we can contribute to the growth of this institution by bringing fresh perspectives and new insights.
Exciting programming happens here all the time. As a member you can often attend these events for free. Trust me, I understand the budget concerns of a student or recent graduate. Museums are spaces for the learners and the exchange of knowledge is not bound by age or class or style.
The DuSable Museum needs you! Become a member. Volunteer. Du the Right Thing.
April 1, 2012
The DuSable Museum of African American History
21st Century Sistahs Panel
In honor of Women’s History Month, the DuSable Museum hosted an evening of conversation featuring some of Chicago’s most dynamic women working in media. The 21st Century Sistahs Panel held on March 29th brought a diverse crowd of men and women- young and old- to the IBLA Auditorium. In true DuSable fashion, I found myself inspired and encouraged by the wisdom of women who, like Margaret Burroughs, have blazed paths.
DuSable’s own, Bonnie DeShong served as moderator, bringing her famed enthusiasm and voice to the mic. Panelists included Merri Dee, radio/TV host and state president of AARP; Dorothy Leavell of the Chicago Crusader; Zondra Hughes, national deputy editor of Rolling Out, and Ava DuVernay, filmmaker and winner of Sundance 2012’s filmmaker of the Year award. The range in artistic medium only added to the cypher of sisterhood.
The roundtable opened with a heartfelt reminder of a social ill that affects all communities-violence. In wake of the death of Trayvon Martin, the women grappled with the roles of storytelling and the ways in which this act can be contextualized in various occupations. Journalist Evelyn Holmes, ABC 7 Chicago, was adamant in her claim that the objective nature of journalism does not erode the emotional impact of a story while Ava DuVernay expanded upon this claim, urging storytellers to always illuminate the emotional nuances of reality- regardless of artistic form.
And when an audience member implored black women to talk to black boys about violence, we were all reminded that combating such an epidemic should never be unilateral.
The somber mood soon subsided as the ladies began to discuss the murky waters of love and love loss. In a world where women of color are consistently told who they can (or cannot) date, why they can (or cannot) date them, and just how they can (or cannot) date, it’s sometimes tiring to engage in any dialogue about relationships. However, these sistahs did not hesitate to share much needed knowledge. The bottom line: let love and happiness find you as you continue to work on yourself.
Amen and Ashe.
By the close of conversation, the positive energy overflowed from the museum’s auditorium. Perhaps it was the wit of a great moderator or the refreshing air of honesty. Or perhaps it was a joy in, as Dr. Carol Adams noted, hearing ourselves talk to ourselves about that which matters most to us.
March 28, 2012
DuSable Museum of African American History
FELA! Fundraiser/Opening Night
DuSable blog post by Jessica Lynne
The award-winning Broadway musical FELA! opened Tuesday evening in Chicago to an audience eager for the rhythm and sounds of the famed Nigerian star. If there were any doubts about Afro-Beat music, its origin, or its creator, such doubts were completely eradicated by the time the final drum was struck. For three hours the Oriental Theater became The Shrine, Fela Kuti’s legendary nightclub, full of bright lights, bold colors, and a booming spirit of Diaspora. It was with this same energy that The DuSable Museum celebrated the musical’s opening night with “The First Night Benefit” recognizing black history, black communities, and black power.
FELA! is a musical unlike any other. Blending elements of the communal through audience interaction and with digital narrations, FELA! tells the story of a young musician dedicated to the political renewal of his homeland. Sahr Ngaujah shines in the lead role as Fela, commanding the stage with a grace and style that most surely adorned the Afro-Beat king himself.
And if the powerful acting or singing doesn’t blow you away, it is the electrifying dancing that keeps you on the edge of your seat. We have the great Bill T. Jones to thank for the choreography.
As a cultural institution in the business of sharing and reclaiming narratives through artistic production, the museum’s opening night benefit was a perfect example of the type of programming that must continue to occur in Chicago in order to support those histories which have long been ignored by mainstream art outlets. Indeed, the folks who gathered at Petterino’s for the benefit post show party could not stop buzzing with excitement.
There is no doubt that Fela’s music changed the world. His stylistic innovation brought together the best of multiple musical genres producing a body of work that remains in a league of its own. Yet, his message of activism is as equally profound. Fela Kuti reminded the world that music exists as a tool for entertainment and resistance. That is the legacy that the DuSable Museum celebrated Tuesday evening and that is the legacy in which we will remain firmly rooted.
FELA! runs at the Oriental Theater in Chicago until April 15th. Be sure to grab tickets.
For more information about the DuSable Museum of African American History, visit: www.dusablemuseum.org
Jessica Lynne
Jessica Lynne has been a DuSable Museum volunteer since October 2011 and counts the museum as one of her favorite places in Chicago. She is a learner, writer, traveler, and lover of all things Hip-Hop. A NYU graduate with a degree in Africana Studies, Jess is a creative writing kid dedicated to fostering the power of literacy and language through fiction and creative journalism.She is a brown girl living, in the words of Audre Lorde, deliberately and fearlessly. As co-editor of Zora Magazine, she muses on music, culture and the greatness of Denise Huxtable. As a DuSable Museum volunteer, Jessica will be blogging on DuSable events, programs, and exhibitions. She will also be one of the Du’s social media experts.