400 Years of Inequality: Contributions From the Diaspora
On December 6, 2019, Carnegie Hall held its first annual 1619 event, 400 Years of Inequality: Contributions From the Diaspora. The event focused on the evolution of African American artists and artistry, featuring performances from violinist Lee England Jr; spoken word artist and poet Toni Blackmon; author, DJ, and Hip-Hop Scholar Dr. Todd Craig; poet and scholar Dr. Monique Ferrell; and, serving as the event moderator, author and scholar Dr. Lavelle Porter. The event featured artist presentations, a panel discussion, and was followed by the Jazz concert Songs From The Diaspora, featuring Terrance Blanchard and Jon Baptiste, among other distinguished and noted musicians and creative artists. The program was sponsored by Carnegie Hall, City University of New York (CUNY), City Tech, and CUNY ARTS.
A clip from Ferrell’s Carnegie Hall performance, featuring the title poem from her forthcoming collection, Dulce Reina En Fuego. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear her reference two of her favorite poets: Aurde Lorde and Nikki Giovanni.