Presentation will explore the Harlem Renaissance and Kansas


LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Humanities Program will host “The Harlem Renaissance,” a presentation and discussion by Lem Sheppard, at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at the Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program.

The booming, experimental period in American history known as the Harlem Renaissance exposed the world to the arts and culture of African-Americans. But it was also a time of struggle when society failed to respond to issues of civil rights and social equality. Using jazz, blues, spirituals and poetry, this presentation spans the 1920s and explores the contributions of Kansas artists involved in this unique moment.

Lem Sheppard is a blues guitarist, singer and historian based in Pittsburg.

“Many of the artists active during the Harlem Renaissance came from places outside Harlem — cities like Washington, D.C., and Kansas City,” Sheppard said. “When I learned this, I began to view Kansas in the time period through a different lens.”

“The Harlem Renaissance” is part of Humanities Kansas's Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement. 

For more information, contact the Humanities Program at 785-864-3011 or visit hum.ku.edu.

The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas, an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and democracy. For more information, visit humanitieskansas.org.

Wed, 10/17/2018

author

Colleen Boley

Media Contacts

Colleen Boley

Humanities Program

785-864-3011