Celebrate Black History Month with the VMFA

Learn about a singer, authors and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

February 18, 2014; 11:56 AM • by Richard Hayes

This week the VMFA has three events to celebrate Black History month. The events are taking place Wednesday through Friday and two of the three are free of charge.

Conversations: The Voice and Vision of Marian Anderson

Day + Time: Wed February 19, 2014 11 am – noon
Location: Claiborne Robertson Room
With: Dr. Lisa Edwards-Burrs, Associate Professor of Music, Virginia State University, Dr. Sylvia Yount, Chief Curator and Louise B. and J. Harwood Cochrane Curator of American Art
Cost: Free, no registration required
Description: Honor the birthday month of iconic singer and cultural hero Marian Anderson. Join acclaimed soprano Dr. Lisa Edwards-Burrs and Dr. Sylvia Yount, as they explore Anderson’s musical talent and celebrated legacy. The program begins in the Claiborne Robertson Room and will be followed by a live performance in the museum’s American Art Galleries.

African American Read-In

Day + Time: Thu February 20, 2014 5 – 6:30 pm
Location: Meet at Visitor Services Desk.
Cost: Free, no registration required
Description: As part of the 24th annual African American Read-In, a national event, VMFA staff and members of the community share African American literature through readings, poetry, and speeches related to Signs of Protest and works in the permanent collection.

Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute with Film

Day + Time: Fri February 21, 2014 6 – 10 pm (Virginia Union University Concert Choir: 6 – 6:20 pm)
Location: Leslie Cheek Theater
Cost: $8 (VMFA members $5)
Description Prior the film: Virginia Union University Concert Choir will perform a moving acapella tribute to Dr. King. – King: A Filmed Record … Montgomery to Memphis (1970, 181 minutes, B&W) Spanning 13 years — from 1955 to 1968, this monumental documentary tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s rise from regional activist to world-respected leader of the Civil Rights movement. Created from archival footage, the film features heartfelt tributes by some of the greatest stars of the era: Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee, Ben Gazzara, Charlton Heston, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster, Paul Newman, Clarence Williams III, and Joanne Woodward. Rarely seen since 1970, the Academy Award-winning film has been restored by the Library of Congress, mastered in HD from the 35mm preservation negative.