APRIL 2011

2 Saturday, 11:00 a.m.

The Language You Cry In (video 52 min.)

This film tells an amazing scholarly detective story that searches for, and finds, meaningful links between African Americans and their ancestral past. This film traces the memory of a family to their ancestral roots through a Mende funeral song. This story owes much to the research done my Lorenzo Dow Turner, an African American linguist who heard the song from Amelia Dawley, who lived in a remote Georgia fishing village.

5 Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.

Houses of Worship in Ward 8

This forum, continuing the dialogue on the role of houses of worship in communities east of the Anacostia River, presents the results of a 2009 survey and documentation project of 42 houses of worship in Ward 8 along with a panel discussion on current issues as seen from the perspective of religious leaders. This forum and the museum's ongoing documentation of religious experience and expression provide an understanding of the challenges, issues, and successes faced by communities of faith in the present-day social, political, and economic climate.

  

7 Thursday, 10:30 a.m.

Dance Workshop

Audience members will learn dance movements inspired by the cultures of the Gullah/Geechee, Brazil, and Sierra Leone. This workshop is led by Carol Foster, the executive/artistic director and founder of the DC Youth Ensemble. School groups welcome. Reservations required. School groups welcome.

9 Saturday, 10:30 a.m.

Folktales from Africa to the Americas

Baba-C, D.C. griot and master storyteller, will share his unique blend of interactive storytellings, featuring West African, Afro-Brazilian and Gullah tales. Tales spiced with remarkable animals and life lessons feature Anansi the Spider, Bossy Elephant, and other memorable characters.

10 Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

Rhythm Café

Join renowned radio programmer Tony Requsters of WPFW radio as he discusses Antonio Carlos Jobim. The legendary Howard University Jazz Ensemble will perform under the direction of Fred Irby.

16 Saturday, 10:30 a.m.

How the Leopard Got His Spots (video 30 min)

When the other animals moved away, the hungry leopard was forced to follow them down into the striped, spotted forest. But, with his bright skin, the leopard didn't stand a chance to hunt-unless he acquired spots himself. Narrated by Danny Glover.

23 Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Easter Arts and Crafts

Make your own Easter hats or bonnets and design your own wooden Easter egg. Materials for construction and decoration are available for exploration.

27 Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

Creativity and Youth Culture in SE Washington, DC

This community forum will explores youth and creative expression as developed through the work of such groups and organizations as Junk Yard Band, Facilitating Leadership in Youth, Life Pieces to Masterpieces, Multi Media Training Institute, and others. This forum is part of the museum's  "Call and Response: Community and Creativity Project." 

30 Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Dance Workshop

REMINDER:  All events are free, open to the public and require reservations which may be made at  (202) 633-4844 unless otherwise indicated.