CrossRoadsNews, February 6, 2016 - Section B by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

February 6, 2016

Section B

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Tribute to Natalie Cole

The 26th Annual Black History Concert by Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia Orchestra takes place on Feb. 21 at historic First Congregational Church of Atlanta.

Orchestra honoring ‘Unforgettable African Roots’ By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia Orchestra will celebrate “Unforgettable African Roots” in its 26th Annual Black History Concert on Feb. 21 in Atlanta. The African-American orchestra, made up of high school musicians, has more than 400 performances locally, nationally and internationally. It will pay tribute to Grammy Award-winning songstress Natalie Cole during the one-and-a-half-hour concert at the historic First Congregational Church of Atlanta. The show starts at 4 p.m. Still Waters founder and artistic director David Robinson says he wanted to honor the incomparable vocalist who died on Dec. 31. She was 65. “She was an outstanding artist,” he said. “We want people who know about her to reminisce and the younger people to know about her.” At the height of her career, Cole was a hit-making machine. Her virtual duet with her father, jazz great Nat “King” Cole, on “Unforgettable” is legendary. “There were times when she had two hits on the chart,” Robinson said. The concert will feature some of Cole’s top hits like “Inseparable,” “Good Morning Heartache” and “Mr. Melody.” Robinson founded the orchestra, based

The concert will feature some of Natalie Cole’s top hits like “Inseparable” and “Mr. Melody.”

in Stone Mountain, to perform various types of music in tribute to black composers like William Grant Still. Whenever significant artists like Cole, Isaac Hayes and Teddy Pendergrass die, Robinson, who has taught string at DeKalb County Schools for 32 years, gets to work. “I arrange the music right away for our students to play so that they can understand

the artist’s contribution to the world,” he said. For the Feb. 21 Black History Concert, 22 musicians from Still Waters’ advanced and junior orchestras will perform. “We will also be joined by some of our alumni,” Robinson said. Since its launch 25 years ago, more than 1,000 musicians have participated in Still Waters’ summer academies and after-school programs. More than 86 percent of its members are honor students from public, private, charter and home schools. Still Waters Sinfo-Nia Orchestra has performed across the United States and twice in Ghana, West Africa. This summer, it will spend 10 days in Jamaica performing with Jamaica’s National Youth Orchestra and traveling around the island. Sinfo-Nia has completed three music videos for songs including “Fly Away” promoting the movie “life.less,” and in 2013 it was featured with five-time Grammy Award-nominated Ashanti Floyd “The Mad Violinist” in his composition of “Battlefield” to promote orchestral education. Jared Sawyer Jr., preacher, author and singer, will be the concert’s master of ceremonies. First Congregational is at 105 Courtland St. N.E. For tickets and more information, visit www.sinfo-nia.com, email stillwaters690@gmail.com or call 404-328-0840.

Observance marks 40 years Forty years ago this month, the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History Inc. designated February as Black History Month to spotlight African-American culture, heritage and achievements. Harvard-educated Carter G. Woodson founded the association in 1915. The group first initiated Negro History Week in 1926 to focus on the contributions of blacks in the development of America that Carter Woodson had been largely left out of textbooks and the media. Woodson picked February because it is the birth month of Frederick Douglass, who fought against slavery, and President Abraham Lincoln, who freed slaves. Woodson, who is called the Father of Black History, wrote a number of books, including “The Mis-Education of the Negro” published in 1933 that outlines how poorly black children were being taught in the nation’s segregated schools. It was Woodson’s hope that with the annual Black History observances, Americans would develop mutual respect for each other.

CrossRoadsNews

February 6, 2016

Black History

Spotlight on Caribbean steel pan rhythms 2346 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007

www.CrossRoadsNews.com editor@CrossRoadsNews.com

The Black History Month Special Section is a publication of CrossRoadsNews, Atlanta’s award-winning weekly newspaper. Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphics Editor Curtis Parker Reporter Jennifer Ffrench Parker Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without . the written permission of the publisher © 2016 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Patrons can see, touch and play the steel pan at “Caribbean Steel Pan Drum Rhythms” on Feb. 13 at Redan-Trotti Library in Lithonia. The session, which begins at 1 p.m., will be led by Trinidad native and pan player Don Clarke. He will explore the history of the steel pan drum and discuss the integral part it plays in the culture of the Caribbean. Clarke, who lives in College Park, said he was drawn to the instrument as a boy but was never encouraged to play because his family considered pan low-class music. He said the steel pan is now played all over the world. When he moved to metro Atlanta in 1968, he formed a steel band that grew to 20 players within two years and performed for the March of Dimes, Atlanta Peach Carnival, the Black Arts Festival, AIDS Walk of Atlanta, Piedmont Park Arts Festival, United

Trinidad native Don Clarke will discuss the history of the steel pan drum and the integral part it plays in Caribbean culture on Feb. 13 at the Redan-Trotti Library in Lithonia.

Negro College Fund, and the 1996 Olympic Games. Clarke, who also composes, has traveled throughout the United States, Mexico, St. Thomas and Costa Rica as a solo artist since

1998. He performed at Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier’s granddaughter’s wedding. The library is at 1569 Wellborn Road. For more information, call 770-482-3821.

Film retells civil rights era in song

PRESENTS

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DR. LEROY DAVIS - MODERATOR PROFESSOR OF AFRICAN AMERICAN & AMERICAN HISTORY EMORY UNIVERSITY

“Let Freedom Sing,” the story of the American civil rights movement in song, will be screened Feb. 16 at the Hairston Crossing Library. The 2009 documentary, narrated by Louis Gossett Jr., retells one of the greatest stories in American history in a compelling Louis Gossett Jr. Quincy Jones Gladys Knight new way – through the singers and songwriters who fought for change through most turbulent periods in American history – from the early civil rights era to Watergate – their music. The cast includes Gladys Knight, Isaac and composed a soundtrack perfectly tuned Hayes, Quincy Jones, Chuck D. and Jerry to the tempo and pulse of its time. The Friends of the Hairston Crossing Butler. Show time is 6 p.m. The film captures the brief moment in Library is providing light refreshments. The library is at 4911 Redan Road in time when a few daring, innovative musicians stood at the crossroads of a revolution Stone Mountain. For more information, call in music and culture. They sang through the 404-508-7170.

Columbia Drive’s Heritage Sunday Yams, greens, fried/ baked chicken, potato salad, homemade cakes and other desserts are on the “Meals From the Motherland” menu on Feb. 14 at Columbia Drive United Methodist Church. The free dinner and Lee May fellowship will follow the church’s Heritage Sunday Celebration that

features DeKalb interim CEO Lee May as guest speaker. The service begins at 10 a.m. and is based on Jeremiah 31:3: “The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” The church is at 2067 Columbia Drive in Decatur. For more information, visit www. columbiadriveumc.com or call 404-2844151.

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February 6, 2016

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February 6, 2016

“I give all honor and glory to my community that gave me the atmosphere to achieve my goals, that taught me how to live.”

Black H

Beacon Hill community’s Richard Wilson integrated By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Richard Wilson was a pretty good basketball player when his mother, Elizabeth Wilson, enrolled him in 1965 at the all-white Decatur High School. The lanky junior was a very good ball player at the allblack Trinity High in Decatur’s Beacon Hill neighborhood and was one of 20 black students to integrate the Decatur school in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that ordered the desegregation of schools in Brown vs. Board of Education. It was no surprise to his mother that Richard made the Decatur High basketball team and became the first black student in DeKalb County to play basketball against all-white high school teams countywide. During his two years at Decatur, No. 52 distinguished himself against a lot of odds. “Every kid who plays now can thank him for taking those first jabs,” his mother said on the eve of the award. On Jan. 29, Decatur High retired Richard’s number and unveiled it on the school’s Wall of Honor in the gym. Richard Wilson was among six players and coaches inducted in the ceremony. The induction ceremony was attended by his mother; brother Carter and his wife, Valarie; niece and nephew Kristin Munson and Nic Wilson, who both also wore No. 52 at Decatur High; and a host of other relatives, friends and classmates. Richard Wilson was inducted with football coach Frank Jones, 1951-1956; football players Tom Jones and Jack Williams, both 1966; basketball player Michael Maddox, 1974; and basketball coach Bob Reinhart, 1970-1983. Richard Wilson, who graduated from Decatur High in 1967, the same year the county closed the all-black Trinity High. He went on to serve in the Vietnam War. He died in the summer of 2013. His mother, who integrated the Decatur Public Library in 1962 and fought for voting, education and other civil rights, went on to become Decatur’s first black city commissioner and, to date, Decatur’s only African-American and only female mayor in 1993. She recalled last week going to all of Richard’s games but one. Wilson said she took her daughter, Angela, and Carter, who is now City Schools of Decatur’s athletics director, to every game. Once they arrived at the game, she said she would look around carefully before picking a seat. “Once we sat down, the people would move and we would have the whole bench to ourselves,” she said. Wilson said Richard played his heart out despite all the pressure of being the first. “I thought he had more elbows and trips than he should have,” she said. “But he had a good attitude. He knew he was good enough to play and he did.” The one game they did not attend was Richard’s first game

In 1965, Richard Wilson was the first black student to play basketball against all-white high school teams in DeKalb.

From left, Richard Wilson’s nephew Nic Wilson, niece Kristin Munson, b Turner pose in front of his number 52 which was retired by Decatur High

against Cross Keys High. Wilson said she got a telephone call supposedly from Cross Keys telling her that they shouldn’t go to the game. “I asked ‘Why?’” she said. “‘We don’t think it would be safe for you and the two kids,’ they said.” Looking back, Wilson said she thinks it was someone from Decatur High who called her. “The caller said they could take care of Richard but they couldn’t protect us,” she said. “They asked me if I wanted to put my other children in danger I thought about it, and I didn’t go. I didn’t want to put them in danger. I stayed home and cried until Richard came home.” Richard Wilson was one of 20 black students who went to Decatur High from Trinity High in 1965. Some of his classmates nominated him for the Wall of Honor and the retirement of his number. Kristin Munson and Nic Wilson, above and right, also wore 52 at His mother said that Richard paved the way for his Decatur High. Nic now plays baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays.

‘Mission accomplished’: Trailblazer Clarence Scott makes hometo By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Clarence Scott is used to blazing trails. The Decatur native was on the Trinity High School football team that walked away with the 1965 State Championship, and he went on to become an All-American at Kansas State University before spending 13 years with the Cleveland Browns. What’s more difficult these day is getting used to all these Hall of Fame inductions. Since 1999, Scott has been inducted fives times – into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1999, the Kansas State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003, the Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame in 2012, Decatur High School Wall of Honor in 2013, and the Kansas State University Ring of Honor in 2015. As part of its honor, Decatur High retired his Trinity High No. 84. On Feb. 12, he will be ushered into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame. Scott, who lives in Stone Mountain, says that it’s the greatest feeling in the world to be recognized for his work. “It feels like mission accomplished,” he said on Feb. 3. “My mission was to do something for my community to make it proud of me. I give all honor and glory to my community that gave me the atmosphere to achieve my goals, that taught me how to live life.”

Stone Mountain resident Clarence Scott, who was on the Trinity High football team that won the 1965 State Championship, will be inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame on Feb. 12.

Scott, 67, recalled growing up in the tightknit Beacon Hill community, now called Oakhurst, in the city of Decatur and attending the all-black Trinity High. The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” was in full evidence. Scott said some of the teachers lived in

the same community, attended the same churches, shopped at the same stores. “They lived among us and knew our parents. The school was an extension of the community. We took care of each other. It was a loving, caring, comforting place to live.” Even though they were prevented from

Clarence Scott (above and right), a defensive back with win two division titles. He went to the Pro Bowl in 1973

attending the better-funded white schools, Scott said they were supported by their parents and the rest of the community. Over a 12-year period, Trinity High won three state championships or was a runner-up. Beacon Hill had no organized Little League sports, but Scott said neighbor teams were created

CrossRoadsNews

February 6, 2016

History

“I thought he had more elbows and trips than he should have. But he had a good attitude. He knew he was good enough to play and he did.”

d Decatur High and DeKalb County sports in 1965 Decatur High cheerleaders unveil Richard Wilson’s number 52 during the induction ceremony on Jan. 29.

brother Carter Wilson, mother Elizabeth Wilson, and nephew Michael h School on Jan. 29 and now graces the school’s Wall of Honor.

Richard Wilson was the first black player to play against white teams in 1965 when he integrated Decatur High School.

brother Carter, who was five years younger, to become a Decatur High Bulldog. Carter also played basketball at Clark College and coached at Decatur High and Georgia State University before becoming City Schools of Decatur athletic director in 2000. Also quite by coincidence, Richard’s nephew Nic Wilson, Decatur Class of 2010, and niece Kristin Munson, Class of 2014, also wore No. 52 at Decatur High. Nic, a standout in both basketball and baseball, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014. Kristin is now a junior at Savannah College of Art & Design. Decatur High established its Wall of Honor in 2010 to honor student-athletes, coaches, and contributors for outstanding careers at any city of Decatur school and beyond. With the six inductees on Jan. 29, the Wall of Honor in

the school’s new gymnasium now has 22 members. There is a 10-year waiting period after graduation for honorees to be inducted. Other honorees include Mike Dickerson, 1972; Andre Pattillo, 1974; Jack Pitts, Trinity High 1966; Frank Broyles, Boys High, 1942; Clarence Scott, Trinity High, 1967; and Larry Morris, Boys High, 1951. Elizabeth Wilson said many students from Trinity High went on to distinguished careers in sports and other professions despite segregation and the odds. Jack Pitts, the quarterback on the Trinity High team that won the 1965 State Championship, was inducted in 2015. Clarence Scott, a defensive back who played 13 years with the Cleveland Browns, graduated from Trinity High in 1967. Decatur High retired his No. 84 in 2013. Elizabeth Wilson said that is why she has worked so hard to preserve the history of the old Beacon Hill community, now called Oakhurst. “You know how they say, ‘Oh they grew up in the projects,’” she said. “Well growing up in a community don’t define who you are. You take what you have and move forward. The parents of Trinity High School were supportive of their children and they went on to do great things.”

own proud as he amasses honors over school, college, NFL career Clarence Scott (right) was among four former football players inducted into Kansas State University’s Ring of Honor in September 2015.

h the Cleveland Browns for 13 seasons, helped them 3 and appeared in 186 games over his NFL career.

to play against each other. “Youngsters who live in wooden houses would play against those in public housing,” he said. “We went from one community to the other.” The young athletes were talented and tough enough to hone each other’s skills. Scott, who was captain of Trinity’s football

and basketball team, was in the last class that graduated from Trinity High in 1967. The school closed that year. He said he could have integrated Decatur High with his buddy and fellow basketball player Richard Wilson in 1965, but even though his mother, Dorothy Scott, fought

alongside community activist Elizabeth Wilson to desegregate City Schools of Decatur and the Decatur Library, his parents decided to keep him at Trinity. “I was kinda glad too,” Scott said. “I didn’t want to leave my friends and teachers.” Dorothy Scott died in November 2015 at age 88. With no opportunity to break the color barrier at Southern colleges, Scott went to play football for the Kansas State Wildcats and became an All-American in 1970.

In 1971, the Browns drafted him. Over his NFL career (1971-1983), Scott appeared in 186 games – 178 straight – and recorded 39 career interceptions, the third most in club history. He helped the Browns win two division titles. On his journey through life, Scott took the values of his community with him. “Whatever I do, I do it well so that my community can take pride in what I do. I am thankful and grateful that I grew up where I did.”

Black History

CrossRoadsNews

February 6, 2016

The mass murder at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., reignited the debate on how to remember the Confederacy.

Emory dialogue on heritage, symbols Historians will disHistorians sp ecuss the connections cializing in 19th- and among Black History, 20th-century AfricanSouthern history and American and Souththe politics of comern history will offer memoration at a Feb. their views on whether 25 symposium at Emsymbols of the Conory University. federacy honor heriThe dialogue, hosttage or promote racial ed by the James Welhatred and explore the don Johnson Institute, relationship between takes place 4 to 5:30 Confederate heritage p.m. at the Oxford and African-American Road Presentation Auhistory. ditorium. The Oxford Road Scholars will examine the relationship between Confederate heritage It comes in the and African-American history at a Feb. 25 symposium at Emory. Presentation Auditowake of the mass murrium is at 1390 Oxford der of nine black worshippers at Emanuel AME Church Road N.E. in Atlanta. in Charleston, S.C., on June 17, 2015, that reignited the For more information, visit http://jamesweldondebate about how the Confederacy should be remem- johnson.emory.edu/home/special-programs/southernbered. history-black-history-symposium.html.

Storyteller explores lives of historical figures Storyteller Jerry G. White will bring to life peanut farmer and inventor George Washington Carver and a host of other noted African-Americans on Feb. 13 at the Decatur Library. The one-man show, “Bringing Their Stories to Life: Breaking Grounds,” begins at 1 p.m. During the 90-minute program, White will transport his audience on a historical journey with the likes of infantry soldier Alex Johnson of the famed 54th Massachusetts Infantry; Federal Marshal Bass Reeves; and a Tuskegee Airman and four-star general, Commander Benjamin O. Davis. White, a percussionist, songwriter, screenwriter, actor and singer, uses spoken word, costumes and music to “Bring the words to life!” Funding is provided by the Friends of the Decatur Library. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. For more information, visit www.dekalblibrary.org.

e e! v r ac e s p e R rS u o Y

Jerry G. White’s “Bringing Their Stories to Life: Breaking Grounds” includes peanut farmer and inventor George Washington Carver.

“Selma, Lord, Selma” stars Clifton Powell (from left), Jurnee Smollett, Stephanie Zandra Peyton and Mackenzie Astin.

Films capture struggles Will Smith’s “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “Selma, Lord, Selma” will be screened at DeKalb Library branches for Black History Month. The Salem-Panola Library will show “The Pursuit of Happyness” on Feb. 16. The 5-to-7 p.m. screening is open to the first 48 participants. The PG-13-rated film, which was released in 2006, tells the true-story struggles of single father Chris Gardner to create a better life for himself and his son. It also stars Smith’s son Jaden. The library is at 5137 Salem Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770-987-6900.

‘Selma, Lord, Selma’ at Gresham Library “Selma, Lord, Selma” starring Jurnee Smollett will be screened Feb. 18 at the Gresham Library in Atlanta. The Walt Disney Studios-produced film tells the story of Sheyann Webb, an 11-year-old Alabama girl who is touched by a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965 and becomes a devout follower. But her resolution is tested when she joins others in the famed march from Selma to Montgomery. Portions of the drama, directed by Charles Burnett, were filmed in Griffin. The 2-to-4 p.m. screening is open to the first 35 participants. The library is at 2418 Gresham Road N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-244-4374.

Educating & Empowering

Expos

at the Mall at Stonecrest Family & Back to School Expo July 23, 2016

Seniors/Baby Boomer Expo October 15, 2016 Limited number of exhibitor spaces available. Book yours today! Call 404-284-1888 for more information.

CrossRoadsNews • 2346 Candler Road • Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 • 404-284-5007 (f) • www.crossroadsnews.com

Black History

“The founding families of color of this 146-year-old AME church not only broke ground for the church but broke racial divides.”

Civil and human rights discussion

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will discuss its role in protecting the rights of all people around the globe on Feb. 6 at the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library in Decatur. Robert Jones, the center’s education strategies coordinator, will discuss its history and exhibits to give participants a deeper understanding of its role in protecting civil and human rights. The presentation takes Robert Jones place at noon. Participants will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for free tickets to the museum that is located in downtown Atlanta. The Center for Civil and Human Rights, which shares stories of courage and struggle around the world, works to empower people to protect everyone’s human rights personally. Funding is provided by the library’s Friends group. The library is at 1282 McConnell Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404679-4404.

CrossRoadsNews

February 6, 2016

Hairston Crossing Library screens the TV documentary “Freedom Riders” on Feb. 9. The 2010 film won three primetime Emmy Awards.

Revisit ‘Freedom Riders’

The TV documentary “Freedom Riders” will be screened on Feb. 9 at the Hairston Crossing Library in Stone Mountain. Show time for the 2010 film, which is part of the library’s Black History Month Movie Series, is 6 p.m. “Freedom Riders” tells the story of more than 400 black and white Americans who risked their lives between May and December 1961 to challenge the Deep South’s segregation laws. The riders, who traveled together on integrated buses, endured savage beatings and imprisonment, and some of their buses were set on fire. The film, written and directed by Stanley Nelson Jr., won three prime-time Emmy Awards. It first aired on PBS’ “American Experience.” Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Hairston Crossing Library. T:7.21” The library is at 4911 Redan Road. For more information, call 404-508-7170.

‘Memories’ in photos Vintage photos of African-Americans living on LaVista Road between the 1920s and 1980s will be on display in a Black History Month exhibit at Mount Zion AME Church in Decatur. The exhibit on Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 is curated by members of the 146-year-old church that is believed to be the oldest AME church in Decatur. It also includes photos of Decatur and Tucker. The observance, “Memories of the Little White Church on the Hill,” features historical recollections and a community singalong by the Senior Mount Zion Choir of traditional gospel “call and response” songs sung during times of planting, fall harvest and homecoming gatherings. The Rev. David F. Richards III, the church’s senior pastor, said the program honors the church and community. “The founding families of color of this 146-year-old AME church not only broke ground for the church but broke racial divides so that blacks, whites and Jewish families living in this community all worked together as loving neighbors during troubled times,” Richards said. “This is a tribute to a David Richards III community that learned to set hatred aside and to let love abound despite cultural and religious differences.” The exhibit takes place 10 a.m. to noon both days. The church is at 2977 LaVista Road. For more information, email mtzioname@mtzionamec.org or call 404-633-2288.

Ava Duvernay Arts & Entertainment (not shown)

Jeff Johnson Trailblazer Marc Morial Humanitarian

Marvin Sapp Living Legend

Caroyln Hunter Owner-Operator

Akinlana Lowman will discuss history of African drumming on Feb. 20 at Flat Shoals Library.

Discover origins of drumming

African-American heritage in the arts Music, dance, theatrical performances and a presentation by the Flat Rock Archives and Museum will take place Feb. 27 at Stonecrest Library. The Black History Month special event, African-American Heritage Celebration, begins at 3 p.m. It is open to the first 175 participants. Funding is provided by the Friends of Stonecrest Library. The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770482-3828.

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Artist and musician Akinlana Lowman will speak about the history of African drumming on Feb. 20 at Flat Shoals Library in Decatur. The informational program, which gets under way at 1 p.m., is suitable for all ages. Lowman, who began drumming at a very early age, grew up in Pittsburgh where he learned how to play the djembe and other percussion instruments. He has taught and performed throughout the country. He will discuss the history of African drumming from its ancient origins to the present and will give a short performance. Funding for the program is provided by the library’s Friends group. The library is at 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information, call 404-244-4370.

Tori Turner Community Choice Youth Award Winner

Aaron Johnson Community Choice Youth Award Winner

12 Months. 365 Days. 8760 Hours. 525,600 Minutes. To those who always find time to reach out…reach back…and bring others along. McDonald’s® celebrates you, not only during Black History Month, but each and every day throughout the year. Find out more at 365Black.com.

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February 2016 Join us this February as we salute rising icons of African American culture at

MACY’S LENOX SQUARE 2ND FLOOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 AT 7PM Join us “In Conversation” with JURNEE SMOLLETTBELL, TAYE DIGGS, G. GARVIN and SHANE EVANS for an entertaining look at the next wave of African American cultural luminaries and taste makers! Then enjoy a special reception following the discussion. Plus, make any $75 purchase during an event and meet all our panelists, snap a photo with them and take home a signed copy of Taye’s new book, Chocolate Me!*

February 6, 2016

Jurnee Smollett-Bell Best known for her award-winning performance in The Great Debaters, and for her role on the critically acclaimed series, Friday Night Lights. Jurnee has appeared in numerous films and television shows, and her newest project, Underground, debuts on WGN America this spring!

Taye Diggs Well known for his roles in How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Chicago, Taye has also starred in numerous television and stage productions. He lives in New York and Los Angeles.

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