A celebration of the accomplishments of 20 extraordinary African American women, “Freedom’s Sisters,” comes to DuSable Museum in the form of a traveling multimedia exhibit in January and continues through April 4.
A celebration of the accomplishments of 20 extraordinary African American women, “Freedom’s Sisters,” comes to DuSable Museum in the form of a traveling multimedia exhibit in January and continues through April 4. In the landmark show is historic 19th century figures as well as contemporary leaders “who helped shape the spirit and substance of the Civil Rights Movement in America” and profoundly impacted the community and the world. Included are Ella J. Baker, Constance Baker Motley, Shirley Chisholm, Mary Church Terrell, Septima Poinsette Clark, Kathleen Cleaver, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dorothy I. Height, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Barbara Jordan, Mary McLeod Bethune, Rosa Parks, Sonia Sanchez, Coretta Scott King, Betty Shabazz, Harriet Tubman, C. Delores Tucker, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and Ida B. Wells. Designed to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds, “Freedom’s Sisters” is a collaborative effort between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Cincinnati Museum Center and is made possible by a generous grant from Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Co. To announce the exhibit, DuSable and Ford hosted a special luncheon at the museum for members of the Chicago Committee of Honor, key members of the Chicago community who are serving as ambassadors of the exhibit. The event provided behind-thescenes info and insights and a sneak peek through a video presentation, “The Making of Freedom’s Sisters.” Dr. Carol Adams, on her very first day as DuSable’s president and CEO, said: “As a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, these incredible women have always been an inspiration to me. I am indeed thrilled and honored that this landmark exhibit is serving as the inaugural show for my newest journey as the leader of the nation’s first African American History Museum. I am making it my mission to insure that all of Chicago has an opportunity to witness and share in the stories of these 20 female pillars of history.” Other luncheon speakers: Pamela Alexander, director of community development, Ford Motor Co. Fund; Christin Chism, of SITES; and Rev. Willie Taplin Barrow, a member of the Chicago Committee of Honor. ABC 7’s Roz Varon emceed. The private V.I.P. opening for “Freedom’s Sisters” is Jan. 22; the public opening is Jan. 23. Holiday Happenin’s – You know the fun and festive holiday season is fast approaching when in the mail comes an exquisite invitation summoning you to “Christmas with the Chicago Carats,” the annual black tie evening of cocktails, buffet and dancing –always on the first Saturday in December at the Union League Club. McDonald Corp.’s Carol Sagers is prexey of the popular African American femme group, which is an affiliate chapter of The Carats Inc. … The popular all-male chorus, Genesis Connection, makes “a joyful noise” during its annual post-Thanksgiving concert of sacred music on Friday, 7 p.m., at Faith United Methodist Church, 15015 Grant St. in Dolton. 70s Set – NBC 5 Chicago’s “That 70s Party” hosted by Deborah Olivia Brown and Marcus Riley at Cliff Rome’s revamped bar at the Parkway Ballroom was “off the chain” with period attire in full force – natural hairstyles, psychedelic prints, wide lapels, bell-bottoms, platform shoes and more. It was all in celebration of the release of photog Michael Abramson’s book of pix, “Light: On the Southside.” And not to worry if you weren’t in 70s dress. There was a wardrobe room full of clean appropriate pieces you could “borrow.” Check out Cliff’’s new venue and the party’s pix on my Facebook page! Newsy Names – Well, he’s gone and done it once more and again! For the 10th – yes, 10th! – consecutive year, Roosevelt Moncure, handsome and dapper catering and marketing director at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, has been deemed “A Hyatt Master” by John Schafer, the hotel’s managing director, and Patrick Donelly, general manager. It’s THE highest honor a Hyatt employee can achieve. That means Roosevelt’s “the best of the best,” “a consistent top performer,” “a role model” and so much, much more! Congrats, Roosevelt! You richly deserve whatever accolades come your way! … A fave media sis, Pam Morris, celebrated “20 stellar years of service to city government” with friends, food, fun and laughter at Room 43 with entertainment by Randell Curtis, The Johnson Trio, Ron Baker Jr., Sheryl McGill, Andrea Morris and others … Send get well cheer to Mildred Porter, former teachers union rep, recovering from knee surgery at Marionjoy Providence Rehab Center, 13259 S. Central, Palos Heights, IL 60463 … WVON’s Cliff Kelley and jazz men Art Hoyle (trumpet) and Eric Schneider (sax) get accolades from Hyde Park Jazz Society on Sunday at “Sunday Jazz,” 7:30 p.m., at Room 43, 1043 E. 43rd St. … Happy b’day to “Juice” Williams (#7), U. of I, football star, who celebrated with family, friends and lots of fans at Alhambra Palace; and to “Cousin Jackie” Todd, Ruby Rogers and Kevin Givens … Funeral services for Maurice McFolling, 81, president of Parker House Sausage Co., were Monday at Apostolic Church of God. Our condolences to his devoted wife, Belinda, and other family members and friends. True Talk! – Jade Simmons discusses frankly and humorously on Dec. 1 the state of race and the dangers of elitism in classical music interwoven with personal stories from her childhood and present day life as one of only a handful of Black classical pianists, noon to 1:30 p.m., Mandell Hall, 1010 E. 59th St. Sponsors of the free event (discussion, performance and lunch): University of Chicago’s Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture, Dept. of Music, University Symphony Orchestra, U. of C. Arts Council, EthNoise! and The Ethnomusicology Workshop. RSVP is required: jessica@uchicago.edu. Curtain Call – Readings of “Nothin’ but the Blues” written by Joe Plummer and David Barr; The Dancesical, a play performed through dance choreographed by Rueben Echoles; and “The Clark Sisters” written by Dawn Bless Mitchell highlight the Fifth Annual Black Playwrights Festival produced by the Black Playwrights Initiative, Dec. 7-14, at Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon St. Single seats are $10 per night; a “Playwrights Pass” can be purchased for $30 and used for entrance to any night. Valet park for $8. The festival was created by playwright Jackie Taylor, BET’s founder, to provide adequate exposure to BPI members, offer a professional platform to have members’ works produced and bring attention to the high quality of work that African American playwrights from Chicago have to offer. BPI is a program created and developed by Taylor to highlight Chicago’s rich community of African American playwrights and to help strengthen the pool of playwrights by providing a forum for readings, year ‘round classes, workshops and resources. Additionally, BPI creates a continuum of scripts for Black Ensemble Theater, helping to expose playwrights on both a local and national level. All plays are works in progress and only first acts will be presented. Audiences can discuss reading with the writers and offer feedback. For a fest schedule and/or BET info, call (773) 769-4451 or visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org. Happy Thanksgiving! – I’m truly thankfulfor each of you and your on-going loyalty and support of this scribe and of “Teesee’s Town.” May God continue to bless you this Adams week with the love of family and friends.
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