The Black Power Series

“In struggle one not only fights against something–injustice, oppression–but one must struggle for something equally real but positive. That’s the other part of the equation.”
― Stokely Carmichael

In conjunction with the world premiere of Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution, Court Theatre presents the Black Power Series, a collection of public talks, artist responses and archival showings, and exhibitions that explore the monumentality of Black contributions to American history and culture. All events in the Black Power Series are free and open to the public.

A collage. There is a train track, a statue of a person on a horse, and large clouds.

Agora Series: Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution | May 23, 2024 at 5:30pm | Woodson Regional Library (9525 S Halsted St., Chicago, IL, 60628)

Join us for the second installment of this year’s Agora Series, in which we’ll be in conversation with scholars and artist-educators who invoke Black archives to proliferate and preserve Black culture, past and present. We are proud to partner with the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at Woodson Library on this event, and we’re pleased to offer you the unique opportunity to peruse their archival collection and enhance your Agora experience.

This event is currently SOLD OUT, but you can still register to attend via livestream or join the waitlist.

A collage. There are photos of young people, city buildings, and protests.

An Evening with Roy Kinsey: A Legacy Project | June 6, 2024 at 7:00pm | Poetry Foundation (61 W Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60654)

During an intimate presentation at the Poetry Foundation, rapper and librarian Roy Kinsey shares new music influenced by the authors who have been essential to shaping his craft and the preservation of Black literary culture. Part listening session, part performance, and part album discussion, An Evening with Roy Kinsey: A Legacy Project gives audience members a rare look behind the veil into Kinsey’s creative process.

This event is currently SOLD OUT, but you can still register to attend via livestream or join the waitlist.

A collage. There are images of a city and images of protests.

A Special Presentation by Damon Locks: Past, Present, and Future | June 10, 2024 at 6:30pm | Blanc Gallery (4445 S Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago, IL, 60653)

Artist Damon Locks responds to the world premiere of Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution, exploring the parallels between Black history, Black activism, and Black artistry. Organized in partnership with Blanc Gallery, Lock’s presentation is in conversation with the current exhibition on display, Frontline Profit: James Baldwin. Featuring the artwork of Detroit-based creative Sabrina Nelson, Frontline consists of more than 40 works on paper and canvas, sketchbooks, installations, and video in celebration of James Baldwin’s centennial birthday.

This event is currently SOLD OUT. Please join the waitlist in case reservations open up.

Header artwork: Damon Locks, Manifest Justice.

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Articles and Interviews

Director of Engagement Kamilah Rashied introduces the Black Power, a new series of programs honoring the monumentality of Black creativity.