HEC Media and the St. Louis County Library will celebrate Black History Month with special virtual author events throughout February.
All events will be premiered on Facebook and hecmedia.org.
Keynote Address:
Frankie Freeman Inspirational Address: Walter Mosley, “Blood Grove: An Easy Rawlins Mystery” Thursday, February 11, 7: 00 p.m. on Facebook.
In conversation with suspense author Rachel Howzell Hall, Suspense writing legend Walter Mosley presents the crowning achievement in the iconic Easy Rawlins detective series: a crackling, moody, and thrilling novel of vast scope and intimate insight, and a soulful call for justice by any means necessary.
James Clark will receive the Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award during the program featuring the keynote address. Mr. Clark is the Vice President of Public Safety and Community Response, for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
Highlighted Events
Catherine E. McKinley, “The African Lookbook: A Visual History of 100 Years of African Women” Thursday, January 28, 7:00 p.m. on Facebook.
In conversation with renowned photographer Dario Calmese.
Writer and curator Catherine McKinley presents an unprecedented visual history of African women told in striking and subversive historical photographs.
Artist, writer, and director Dario Calmese made history as the first Black photographer to shoot a cover for Vanity Fair. He is also the host of the widely-acclaimed podcast “The Institute of Black Imagination.”
Vivian Gibson, “The Last Children of Mill Creek” Tuesday, February 2, 7:00 p.m. on Facebook.
Vivian Gibson grew up in Mill Creek Valley, a segregated working-class neighborhood of St. Louis that was razed in 1959 to build a highway, an act of racism disguised under urban renewal as “progress.” “The Last Children of Mill Creek” depicts the families, friends, shop owners, church ladies, teachers, and others who made Mill Creek into a warm, tight-knit African American community.
Other Black History Programming and Content
28 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month
The Last Interview with Civil Rights Icon Frankie Freeman
Frankie Muse Freeman wore many hats in her remarkable one hundred and one years including wife, mother, lawyer and civil rights activist. As a youth in her hometown of Danville, VA Freeman regularly faced racial discrimination and promised herself that she would find a way to fight the bias that she faced on a daily basis. Freeman spent her life fighting discrimination and helping to establish civil rights policies. Among her many accomplishments, she was the first woman to be appointed to the United States Commission on Civil Rights.
A Conversation with Pete Buttigieg and Bakari Sellers
HEC Media welcomes attorney, politician, and CNN political analyst Bakari Sellers, who discusses his new book, “My Vanishing Country: A Memoir.” Sellers is in conversation with Mayor of South Bend Pete Buttigieg.
A Converstation with Wes Moore and Dr. Kira Banks
Acclaimed author of “The Other Wes Moore,” Wes Moore presents a kaleidoscopic account of five days in the life of a city on the edge, told through seven characters on the frontlines of the uprising that overtook Baltimore following the killing of Freddie Gray.
Seeking Freedom
Court documents found in St. Louis tell the inspiring story of courage when slaves from around the area fought for their freedom by challenging their owners in court.
Mission to Educate
An inspiring local documentary about the Catholic education system in St. Louis, Mission to Educate explores many of the pioneering moments of the St. Louis archdiocese. Archbishop Joseph Ritter, for example, took advantage of his power and leadership by ordering the end of segregation in St. Louis Catholic schools. This took place an entire seven years prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s order for integration.
More than a Banana Skirt
Learn about the life, loves and civil rights causes that impacted Josephine Baker’s life from surviving family members and others who have been touched by this multi-faceted entertainer.
Modern American Dance Company presents FREEDOM
Modern American Dance Company (MADCO) celebrates their landmark 40th Anniversary with a special dance concert, FREEDOM, a commissioned work by world renowned choreographers: Jennifer Archibold, Gina Patterson, Cecil Slaughter, and Nejla Yatkin.
Finding a Shared History in Missouri
A group of people from all races and backgrounds gather together regularly to share their memories of growing up in a small Missouri town during strict segregation. The discussions are honest and candid, and no one shies away from difficult topics.
