News Release

Stone Center to explore black identities in fall programming

CHAPEL HILL — Exploring black identities in film and cross-cultural contexts will be among the topics discussed this fall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History.  

The season begins on Sept. 13 with the opening of this year’s Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film. The festival theme, “Blackness Inside/Out,” explores alternative constructions of black identities.

On Oct. 9, the center pays tribute to entertainer and social activist Paul Robeson with the opening of the exhibit“Body and Soul: Paul Robeson, Race and Representation.”

Founded in 1988, the center is dedicated to broadening the range of intellectual discourse about African diaspora cultures and pursuing challenging examinations of contemporary issues.

Unless otherwise noted, events will be in the center, at 150 South Road west of the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower, and free and open to the public. Spanish translation is available upon request.

Sept. 13, 7 p.m. The film “Follow Me Home,” starring Alfre Woodard, explores intercultural race relations through the lives of four artists – one black, one American Indian, and two Latino cousins – who take a cross-country road trip to paint a mural on the White House. Along the way, they meet a black woman who bears a deep secret. American Indian activist and diversity trainer Lakota Harden will moderate a discussion after the film. Part of the Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film.

Sept. 20, 7 p.m. The film “Naming Number Two” (“Naming No. 2” in some countries). The film explores the challenges that a Fijian family endures to stay connected to one another; it challenges and goes against casting norms by featuring actress Ruby Dee. Part of the Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film.

Oct. 2, 7 p.m. In the film “Skin Complex,” a Harvard-educated professor who is fed up with the limitations of being black considers undergoing a “race-change” operation. First, he must confront his dying father and the rest of his family about his decision. He also must contend with his fiancé, who is white, and an adviser who has undergone the reverse transformation from white to black. Craig Harris, the film’s director, will lead a discussion after the film. The screening is co-sponsored by the (Carolina) Kappa Omicron chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Part of the Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film.

Oct. 5, 4 p.m. 2007 African Diaspora Lecture, by Kenyan poet, playwright and community activist Micere Githae Mugo, chair of the African-American studies department at Syracuse University. She has written six books, co-written a play and written internationally anthologized poems.

Oct. 6-10, International visiting fellows Alejandro Correa-Ortega and Geronimo Sanchez-Gonzales, professors at the Instituto Universitario de Barlovento in Higuerote, Venezuela, will be international visiting fellows at the center. The Instituto Universitario is one of the few historically black institutions in Latin America. To schedule Correa-Ortega or Sanchez-Gonzales to speak at an event, call (919) 962-9001.

Oct. 9, 7 p.m., opening reception for the exhibit “Body and Soul: Paul Robeson, Race and Representation” in the center’s Robert and Sallie Brown Gallery and Museum. The exhibit, on display through Jan. 25, examines uses of Paul Robeson’s physical image throughout his lengthy career as a pioneering social activist, scholar, athlete, baritone and actor, on stage and in film. It includes more than 100 film and theater posters; playbills; album, book and magazine covers; newspaper reviews; prints and other materials. From his first controversial film appearance in Oscar Micheaux’s 1925 silent film “Body and Soul” to later photographs of the poised, statesman-like performer addressing international audiences, Robeson’s image ranged from negative stereotype to Renaissance man. These representations reflect the complex ambiguities of race and black masculinity during the 20th century. Items in the exhibit are on loan from the collection of brother and sister Alden Kimbrough and Mary Kimbrough of Los Angeles, whose father was a friend of Robeson’s. Alden Kimbrough will attend the opening reception.

Nov. 1, 7 p.m. The film “Son of Man,” also known as “Jezile” is a politically charged retelling of the story of Jesus set in contemporary Southern Africa. After civil war breaks out, Jezile travels the country preaching against political and government corruption.  Before long, government officials grow suspicious of his teachings, ultimately deciding to restore order by eliminating Jezile. Conclusion of the Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film.

Stone Center Web site: http://ibiblio.org/shscbch/

Stone Center contact: Olympia Friday, (919) 962-7265 or ofriday@email.unc.edu
News Services contact: LJ Toler, (919) 962-8589