With a rich history dating back into the 19th century, Cincinnati’s African American community has produced a dynamic arts scene. This community of artists has made a major impact on the world of creative arts, and has never been more vibrant and thriving than it is today.
Exodus of the Invisible Women of Grande Jatte by Brian JoinerThe Future is Now: Cincinnati’s African American Art Scene in the 21st Century
Join three local artists for The Future is Now: Cincinnati’s African American Art Scene in the 21st Century. Moderated by Dr. John Bryant, a pioneer in urban education, this discussion will examine the state of the local African American arts community with guests Brian Joiner, the 2009 Robert S. Duncanson Artist–in– Residence at the Taft Museum of Art; Anthony Stollings, a noted Cincinnati visual artist; and Troy Brown, a local artist and instructor at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.
Saturday, February 6, 2:00 p.m.
Main Library, Huenefeld Tower Room
Finding Frances: A Genealogist’s Journey Discovering the Life of Frances Ellen Watkins.
Frances Ellen Watkins HarperGrowing up a free African American woman in the slave state of Maryland, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper overcame the obstacles of race and gender to emerge as an educated, politically active writer. She became a popular poet and anti–slavery lecturer in the tumultuous period leading up to the Civil War and continued her professional and activist career with zeal after moving to Ohio in 1860.
Join genealogist Marilyn Armstrong for Finding Frances: A Genealogist’s Journey Discovering the Life of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Armstrong will discuss the research that led to her discovery of this published African American poet and crusader of the 19th century, and shed light on the creative and purposeful life of an African American artist living in a society tainted by slavery and segregation.
Saturday, February 13, 2:00 p.m.
Main Library, Huenefeld Tower Room
Related Podcasts*
- Finding Frances: A Genealogists Journey Discovering Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Getting Started in African American Genealogy with Thomas Jordan
- Lucy’s Story: Larry Hamilton, Genealogists and Author
*These podcasts are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 license. Music: Nebulous Notions by Revolution Void used with permission.
Cincinnati’s African American Jazz Artists
Since the days of the 1930’s Cotton Club, the city’s first integrated night club, Cincinnati’s jazz musicians have played an influential role in the local and national music scenes. Learn more about accomplishments of African American jazz artists—including Cincinnati’s own Frank Foster and George Russell—with Reference Librarian Dan Aren. You will also hear a selection of jazz recordings from the Library’s collection.
Following this program, enjoy the February installment of the Jazz of the Month Club concert series featuring the CCM Jazz Combo. These gifted performers attend the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music’s award–winning Jazz Studies Program.
Saturday, February 20, 1:00 p.m.
Main Library, Reading Garden