Festival organizers seek path to ‘Black Sustainability’

During the 2018 Tulane University Black Arts Festival, members of the Tulane Black Student Union will center the conversation around the theme “Black Sustainability” with discussions led by community activists, artists and experts on the African-American experience in America.

“We’re going to talk about what it means to help black people become sustainable as it relates to things like education and healthcare,” said Jae Lee, a Tulane senior and chair of the Black Arts Festival committee. “Each event ties into finding that answer and to determining the future of the black community in New Orleans and at-large.”

On Tuesday, March 13, the festival kicks off at 7 p.m. with a panel discussion titled “Envisioning a Black Future: We Gon Be Alright!” in Rogers Memorial Chapel on the uptown campus. Amistad Research Center director Kara Olidge will moderate.

“We welcome the community to campus to connect to Tulane.”

—Jae Lee, Tulane senior

Lee said the Black Arts Festival works to keep the events free in order to encourage anyone interested to attend. She stresses that people of all backgrounds are welcome.

“Tulane is known for sending its students out into the city to help them connect to the community,” said Lee. “Now we welcome the community to campus to connect to Tulane.”

The week’s schedule of events also includes:

• “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome” a lecture by Joy Degruy, Thursday, March 15, Freeman Auditorium, 6 p.m.
• Black Art Market, Saturday, March 17, Pocket Park, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Hella Black: A Performing and Visual Arts Showcase, Saturday, March 17, Kendall Cram/Lavin-Bernick Center, 7 p.m.
• Black Women's Cypher (hosted by Ebony Stewart), Monday, March 19, Community Commitment Education Center (8540 Spruce St), 7 p.m.
• A Screening of The Black Power Mixtape, Wednesday, March 21, 201 Hebert Hall, 6 p.m.
• Whose Streets? Movie Screening, Thursday, March 22, Freeman Auditorium 6:30 p.m.
• New Orleans Youth Open Mic featuring Aja Monet and Sunni Patterson, Wednesday, April 18, Ashe Cultural Arts Center 6 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.