'TIL
WE
FREE
presented by
The Schomburg Center
Junior Scholars
‘Til We Free is a multimedia project that reflects the Junior Scholars' yearlong exploration of African diasporic history, politics, literature, and art.
This year’s virtual showcase features youth-led projects in video production, theater, spoken word, visual arts, and playwriting that stretch our imagination towards Black liberation.
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Saturday, June 12
11:00 AM - 2: 45 PM
'TIL WE FREE PROJECTS
MEDIA
ACTING
PLAYWRITING
POETRY
VISUAL ARTS
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
OPENING REMARKS​
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Saturday, June 12
11:00 AM (ET)
PART I
FOR US, BY US
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11:15 AM (ET)
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This year our media group focused on African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) to rediscover the beauty of our language and inform those who may not understand its significance. Using digital media, they will provide a glimpse at what AAVE is, what it’s not, and its importance in Black history and culture. The presentation will feature a live discussion with Dr. April Baker-Bell, Associate Professor of Language, Literacy, and English Education in the Department of English and Department of African American and African Studies.
A CELEBRATION OF BLACK AMERICAN THEATER
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12:00 PM (ET)
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The JSP Acting Ensemble celebrates Black playwrights and Black characters with a performance of scenes and monologues from the works of Lorraine Hansberry, August Wilson, Lydia R. Diamond from the Schomburg Collections. Explore with our young people why these works stand the test of time and will move, educate, and entertain us for years to come!
FREEDOM IS FOR EVERYONE
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12:30 PM (ET)
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Inspired by James Baldwin’s Who is the N*****, JSP Scholars personify “Freedom” and “America” to give flesh and voice to abstract ideas, and create a dialogue between the two. This project is presented by our playwriting scholars and guest cast: Alexis Myles, Anthony Washington, Massiel Armengot, Michael Penn II, Ninel Nekay, Taylor Scott, and Zhalarina Sanders.