Join us for the fifth annual Donald V. Bentley Memorial Lecture, an evening of contemporary African American art and house music, presented by the Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts.

The night will begin with an address from Franklin Sirmans, Director of the Pérez Art Museum Miami, followed by a rich conversation with Baltimore art fixture Dr. Leslie King Hammond and abstractionist painter Terry Thompson. The program concludes with a reception guaranteed to reach the soul.

Each year, the Center invites distinguished intellectuals and arts practitioners to address topical, historical, or philosophical issues connecting the work of the arts to the renewal and revitalization of civic life.

The Donald Bentley Annual Memorial Lecture is a unique platform to drive debate and critical reflection on the role of the arts in our everyday lives and in our imagining of a future just world.

The auditorium is wheelchair accessible and assistive listening devices are available.

Schedule

5:45 p.m. – Auditorium doors open

6:15-7 p.m. – Presentation on contemporary African American Art by Franklin Sirmans, Director, Pérez Art Museum Miami

7-7:45 p.m. – Roundtable discussion on contemporary African American art featuring Franklin Sirmans, Dr. Leslie King Hammond, and Terry Thompson. Moderated by Dr. Lawrence Jackson, Founding Director, Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts.

7:45-9 p.m. – Culture Reception with display of visual art and live DJ set by Terry Thompson in Fox Court. Food and drink will be offered.