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Special Event
Event
Mobilizing Memories at Meridian Hill Park / Malcolm X Park
This event has already occurred. This page is provided for reference only.
Fee:
Free.Location: LAT/LONG: 39.000000, -77.000000
Meridian Hill Park is located on 16th Street between Euclid and W Streets NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
Dates & Times
Date:
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Time:
9:00 AM
Duration:
4 hours
Type of Event
Cultural/Craft Demonstration
Guided Tour
Other
Talk
Description
Meridian Hill Park, colloquially referred to as Malcolm X Park, is known for its beauty, art, and recreation, but it also has an illustrious history as a space in the city for free speech, especially for local African American communities. Park rangers will lead tours while exploring the theme of "who we choose to memorialize and why we choose to.” Visitors can step into the Humanities Truck, parked on 15th St, and view an exhibit that features work from local photographer and activist Nancy Shia. Shia's images showcase subjects from the everyday drum circles of the 1970s, to protests, cultural festivals, and performance art presentations at the Meridian Hill Park.
Visitors are also invited to sit down at one of our community drums, learn beats, and take drum lessons with Perry and Vernon Suggs. The brothers attended drumming classes at the New School for Art and Architecture during the 1970s. Later, they played with Melvin Deal’s famous African Heritage Dancers and Drummers. During its existence, this troupe toured the country, giving workshops on African music and dance at schools and universities nationwide. Currently, Perry and Vernon collaborate regularly with Dan Kerr, head of the American University Public History Program and the Humanities Truck’s "Mobilizing Memories” efforts.
Event Schedule
9-10am Ranger Talks
9am-1pm Humanities Truck
10:30–11:30am Ranger Talks
11:30am-1pm Drum Class
More information