#diasporalens

[nmaahc]

June Celebration: Caribbean American Heritage. Pride. Black Music.

All month long we’re celebrating the rich diversity and culture of the African American experience. From Caribbean American Heritage to the contributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer (LGBTQ) African Americans and the musical achievements of black artists, we’ll be sharing the stories of those who have shaped the course of American history.

Caribbean American Heritage

From Political Trailblazer Shirley Chisholm to Hip Hop innovator Kid Kangol, the achievements of Caribbean Americans across the African American diaspora are vast. This Caribbean American Heritage Month we are illuminating historical figures and American History through a #DiasporaLens.

Explore our collections for more on Shirley Chisholm: s.si.edu/2fLSRz6

Smithsonian Pride

LBGTQ African Americans have had and continue to hold an undeniable role in molding American History. This month we are uplifting the stories of LBGTQ African Americans and their influence on the course of American History.

Search our collections for more on James Baldwin: s.si.edu/2koKTlt

Black Music Month

This Black Music Month we are sharing the cultural expressions of African American musical artists with #APeoplesGroove. From regional sounds and dance to the evolution of black music through genre, we explore the intersections of black culture through rhythm and sound.

Learn more about African American artists through our musical crossroads: s.si.edu/2hYGq9k 

[nmaahc]

Diaspora Lens: Bert Williams

Photo: Cabinet card image of American minstrel performer Bert Williams (1874-1922). TCS 1.1120, Harvard Theatre Collection, Harvard University, 1922, Houghton Library at Harvard University.

One of the most famous blackface entertainers was Caribbean American comedian and Broadway star Bert Williams (1874-1922). Williams toured with a minstrel troupe before teaming up with vaudeville artist George Walker in 1893. In their stage shows, Williams and Walker played on minstrel stereotypes, slyly billing themselves as “two real coons.” A master of comic timing and verbal wit, Williams wore his “shiftless darkey” disguise both to accommodate and challenge the racial prejudices of his day. 

Explore recordings of Bert Williams’s shows: s.si.edu/2qJdEKc #DiasporaLens #APeoplesJourney

[doriansbookshelf]

Reposted from @nmaahc (@get_regrann) - #OnThisDay in 1968, Shirley Chisholm became the first black woman elected to Congress, where she served for seven terms. The Brooklyn, New York native represented New York’s 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. Chisholm was the daughter of immigrants from Barbados and Guyana and had a significant impact on anti-poverty policy and educational reform. ⠀ ⠀ In 1971, Chisholm was a founding member of both the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Women’s Political Caucus. She was also the first African American woman to campaign for the Democratic Party presidential nomination with the slogan “Unbought and Unbossed.” Beset by both racist and sexist opposition, she failed to win her party’s nomination, losing to anti-Vietnam War candidate Senator George McGovern. Always an advocate for poor, inner-city residents, Chisolm said, “I am and always will be a catalyst for change” and would go on to serve another 11 years in Congress. In 2015, Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. #APeoplesJourney #HiddenHerstory #DiasporaLens ⠀ ⠀ 📸 Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gifted with pride from Ellen Brooks - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/B4fVdgyjca3/?igshid=1qa7p07q260vf