Led by Black artists, activists, and intellectuals in the 1960s and 1970s, the Black Arts Movement helped to shape the ideologies of Black identity, political beliefs, and African American culture at that time with an impact that can still be felt today.
Hapo Na Zamani (Swahili for “then and now”) re-imagines a happening from that era for today, combining elements of painting, spoken word, music, movement, wonder, and surprise to blur the boundaries between life and art for attendees to not only witness but to become a part of the art in action.
Hosted by Carl Hancock Rux with musical direction by Vernon Reid, the evening centers around a set of concerts by the Grammy Award-winning musician and a band of avant groidd musicians from Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber inspired by the greats of the Black Arts Movement and honoring the musical legacy of the late writer, lecturer, musician and intellectual Gregory Stephen “Ionman” Tate (1957-2021).
Before and after seated performance times, audiences are invited to engage with screenings of interdisciplinary artist Stefanie Batten Bland‘s film Kolonial, as well as other activations and installations featuring Shantelle Courvoisier Jackson, Nona Hendryx, Somi, Wunmi, Carrie Mae Weems, Dianne Smith, and other surprise guests.
Co-presented with Harlem Stage as part of their Black Arts Movement: Then and Now Conference, bringing elements of the past and present together to reflect, examine, and point to the full experience and legacy of this cultural movement.