Historical February 1986 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Black History Month (February) will be inaugurated at the Missouri Historical Society with a talk by author Paula Giddings on “The Historical Role of Black Women in America” on Sunday, February 2 at 2 p.m.
She will speak in the Lionberger Gallery in the Jefferson Memorial Building in ‘Forest Park.
Two exhibitions and programs of dance and Gospel singing will also be held at the history museum in February.
There is no admission charge for any of these events, which are being sponsored by The Reliable Life Insurance Company. “We’re delighted that we can participate in the support of Black History Month so that the St. Louis community may enjoy these presentations,” said Nelson Joyce, chairman of the board. Giddings’ book, When and Where I Enter . . .
The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America, was widely reviewed and was offered as a Book-of-theMonth Club alternate selection.
Her articles have appeared in The New York Times Book Review and The Washington Post, and she is a contributing editor for Essence Magazine.
Her talk will document the collective struggle of black women against racism and sexism as she shows how they defied the imposed limitations on race and sex and loosened the chains around both. Through a historical perspective, the author will also explore contemporary issues such as the crisis of the black family and the role of black women in the current racial struggle. Continuing the celebration of Black History Month, the Missouri Historical Society will present the nationally acclaimed S.I.U.E. Katherine Dunham Center for the Performing Arts Dancers on Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m.
The Lionberger Gallery will resound with the beat of African and Haitian drums as the dancers give interpretations based on Dunham’s study of tribal celebrations and Voodoo rites. Their colorful costumes and energetic dances will take the chill off of winter in the free program.
In a musical program of another Gladys Tiller will perform blues and Gospel songs in the Lionberger Gallery on Sunday, February 23 at 2 p.m.
She will provide insights into the history of black music and the significance of Gospel singing with narrative and commentary.
A native St. Louisan, Tiller formed one of the first Gospel choirs to be sponsored by a school district.
She has appeared at Powell Hall and last year won Coors’ “Climb on Up” talent contest.
A special exhibition will open February 1, “Black St. Louis at Work – 1904,” with photographs and artifacts from the history museum’s rich collections, including tools and machines used by some of the 12,973 black men and 6608 black women working in St. Louis at the time of the World’s Fair. Also on exhibit during the month will be significant paintings from the collections of the history museum.
The Last Slave Sale in St. Louis, 1860, is one of the best known works of Thomas S. Noble (1835-1907). Noble, who served as a captain in the Confederate Army, studied with Manet in Paris during the 1850’s. M. Hernandez Arvelo’s The Last Slave Sale was painted in the early 20th century from the account of that auction, and the human suffering associated with it is described by Winston Churchill in his novel, The Crisis. Also hung on the lower level during this period will be the recently commissioned portraits of prominent black St. Louisans —including Annie Malone, Homer G. Phillips and Scott Joplin.
The history museum in Forest Park is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., free to the public.
Original photograph caption
“Yanvalou,” a Haitienne ceremonial dance choreographed by Theodore Jamison is interpreted by the S.I.U.E. Katherine Dunham Center for the Performing Arts Dancers who will perform at the Missouri Historical Society as part of the celebration of Black History Month. The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1986, page 3. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1986.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1986_02.pdf, printed page(s) 3, 7; PDF page(s) 3, 7.
