Da' Gullah American Revolutionary Experience

 

Gullah Traveling Theater, Inc. (GTTI) proudly presents Da' Gullah American Revolutionary Experience, an electrifying new theatrical production premiering July 19, 2025, in Bluffton, SC, at May River Theater. Commissioned and funded by the South Carolina 250th American Revolutionary Sestercentennial Commission, this groundbreaking play illuminates the untold stories of the Gullah people and their vital yet often overlooked contributions to the American Revolution (1770-1783).

Free Preview Events - In partnership with the Beaufort & Jasper County 250th Anniversary Committees, The Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina, and the Heritage Library Foundation, GTTI will offer three free preview performances leading up to the premiere. Each event will feature:

A live preview of the production,  A Revolutionary Era artisan showcasing their craft and offering goods for sale and A delicious rice dish highlighting the flavors of Carolina Gold, a staple of the time

This is a rare opportunity to step inside history and experience the profound impact of the Gullah people on America’s fight for independence. Don’t miss this must-see production! Experience history through the eyes of the Gullah people and witness their enduring legacy of courage, resilience, and freedom.

Preview Performances (Free Admission)

Sunday, May 25, 2025 – The Original Gullah Festival, Beaufort

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 4-6pm– USBC, Beaufort

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 4-6pm– Christ Lutheran, Hilton Head

Production Premiere & Da’ Gullah Artisans Village - Saturday, July 19, 2025 – May River Theater, Bluffton

 Da' Gullah Artisan Village 12p-6p

Tickets for the full-stage production on sale now! Shows: 2p & 6p Fee is $45 for adults. $15 for children

 

**Meet and Greet multi Grammy-award winning artist and songwriter Victoria Monét at Malik Books on **Sat Jun 28, 2025** at Malik Books for a chance to meet the talented artist Victoria Monét in person. Get ready to chat, take photos, and get an autograph copy of her debut children book, "Everywhere You Are!" Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with Victoria Monét up close and personal. Admission is $25.37. Ticket includes a signed book and photo opp. + admission to signing with Victoria Monét Book is available for shipping in both English and Spanish.

Westfield Culver City Mall - 6000 Sepulveda Blvd Ste 2470 Culver City, Ca 90230 (323) 389-8040

Happy Juneteenth!

This Juneteenth we have to ask ourselves what does freedom look like for those  of us in this country?                                                                       

                                                Jasmine Crockett, United States Representative

Juneteenth has only been celebrated 4 years as a national holiday but today we are faced with new challenges as DEI, our educational system, our history, and human rights are being challenged. Our celebrations, however, will always be an important part of empowering our community.

As I wrote in 2021,  "We can only imagine the joy, jubilation and trepidation of our  ancestors on June 19, 1865  when Major General Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and informed everyone that slavery was abolished.  We know that it left enough of an impression that the day is still commemorated today. Juneteenth has become the independence day for African Americans.

One of the first things that the newly freed slaves did was to thank God and begin looking for family.  In that spirit Juneteenth has continued to be a day of thanksgiving, prayer service, bringing together family, connecting with the past and celebrating our accomplishments."

Now after years of protest and strife, Juneteenth, the holiday marking the end of slavery has become a federal holiday. Although the holiday is symbolic, it is hoped that this will be a catalyst and another step toward addressing the systemic problems of racisms. Hopefully, children will learn the story of Junetenth in their homes, and schools will provide a more accurate history of Black people in America. While Juneteenth recognizes over a century and a half of progress, it also reminds Americans more work is needed to continue to build a more equitable and unified nation. 

Many thanks to Opal Lee who has lobbied for decades to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Today Juneteenth has become a day of either gathering with family and friends, or practicing  self care, enjoying rest and restoration.

Happy Juneteenth!

 

Families join in the Schomburg Centennial Festival for a celebration of the African Diaspora through the power of literature, literacy, and community!​​ The fun begins on June 14 at 11 am.  

Book lovers come and  interact with your favorite authors and comic book creators at 515 Malcolm X Blvd. on 135th Street between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevards in Harlem, New York.

Family Activities include

 Woke Baby! Festival -Kids Clubhouse - Children’s Author Readings, Live Music, art making, and more Powered by Woke Baby!

HOW TO DRAW BLACK COMIC BOOKS with Tim Fielder and Akinseye Brown at 3 pm

VERY BLACK COSPLAY - A fan favorite from our Black Comic Book Festival, the Very Black Cosplay Showcase brings characters to life! Join the fun on the outdoor 135th Street stage or enjoy the show from the crowd.  2:45 pm

THE BLOCK PARTY - Slick Rick and The Soapbox Presents: Stoop Sessions, blending the best of classic hip-hop and fresh R&B on their newly added 4th stage! at 2:45

https://www.schomburg100fest.org/

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture celebrates 100 years!

 One hundred years ago, Arturo Schomburg shared books from his considerable personal collection with The New York Public Library to seed its new Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints. The branch that housed the division is now the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which celebrates its centennial anniversary this year. As part of these celebrations, the Library is delighted to share some books with you (while supplies last!). 

Beginning May 8 at neighborhood branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library will be giving away 5,000 copies of Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library on a first-come, first-served basis. (Note: For patrons visiting the Schomburg Center, copies will be available for pickup at the nearby Countee Cullen Library.) Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eric Velasquez, the book tells the story of Arturo Schomburg and the institution he helped create. It was named one of the Library’s Best Books for Kids in 2017 and features on their new book list, “It Happened in Harlem: Recommended Reading,” curated by the expert librarians at the Schomburg Center to mark the start of the centennial celebration

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

 

When Weatherford recorded a video of herself reading her book as part of the Library’s 2020 Juneteenth celebration, she recalled how the Schomburg Center Photographs and Prints Division’s collections has aided her own photo research and noted that “Schomburg realized, even in the early 20th century, that knowledge about African American people and African descendants throughout the diaspora was critical to raising anti-racist children.”

To coincide with the giveaway this spring, participating branches will be hosting storytimes highlighting children’s books about Harlem curated by NYPL staff, including special storytimes to take place at the Schomburg Centennial Festival on June 14. The giveaway is limited to one book per patron and will run while supplies last. Plus, while you’re picking up your copy, don’t forget to sign up for a special-edition Schomburg Centennial library card!

Join the Library all year long for a wide array of special events, exhibitions, and more as we celebrate this milestone and continue the legacy of Arturo Schomburg. Learn more about the Schomburg Centennial celebrations.

Black Montessori Conference