Two Roads Diverged: A dialogue on Irish and Black contributions to American Culture
Open Dialogue with Lenwood O. Sloan and Dr. Mick Moloney
September 18, October 24, November 7 | 7 pm
A three-part series that will examine the Irish American and African American cultural fusions, exchanges, rivalries and stereotypes that developed from the Caribbean and Southern communities in the 1650s through to the birth of Broadway and vaudeville.
September 18
Irish Mornings and African Afternoons
(1652-1848)
Examining the cultural assimilation of thousands of Irish men, women and children transported as indentured servants, migrants and adventurers to the New World and the Afro-American cultures already in place.
Special Guest:
Rachel L. Swarns (author of American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama; journalist for The New York Times)
www.rachelswarns.com
Admission: FREE
October 24
Jimmy Crack Corn:
Irish and Black Diaspora in Appalachia
(1776-1830)
An exploration of early African American and
Irish American instruments, songs and music,
games and contests, and dances throughout
the regions along the Appalachian Trail.
Admission: FREE
November 7
Banjo and Fiddle, Tambo and Bones
(1830-1876)
The development of an American art
form - Black Face. An examination of this
controversial genre through reflections,
projections and truth in impersonation.
Admission: FREE
The series has been developed by Lenwood O. Sloan, most recently Pennsylvania Film Commissioner and Director of Cultural and Heritage Initiatives, and with film credits including the Emmy award-winning films Ethnic Notions and Dance Black America, and Dr. Mick Moloney, Global Distinguished Professor of Music and Irish Studies at NYU.
In association with Harlem Stage

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