National Archives Partners with March On to Highlight Great African American Voices
By Pete Lewis | National Archives News
WASHINGTON, October 8, 2024 – The National Archives partners with March On to host two Washington, DC events in the William G. McGowan Theater. Both events commemorate American history-makers and their consequential journeys.
On Sunday, October 6, at 2 p.m., the Archives screened the 1989 documentary film James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket by director Karen Thorsen. Baldwin was an African American writer and civil rights activist whose essays, novels, and poetry helped promote the movement for equality in the United States and throughout the world. The film screening honored Baldwin’s 100th birthday and included a performance of James by actor, choreographer, dancer, and educator Joseph Monroe Webb accompanied by drummer Keith Butler, Jr.
“It’s notable that we are hosting today’s program at the National Archives; Baldwin’s life is well-reflected in the National Archives records,” said Monica Woods, Chief of Staff at the National Archives. “We have documents, photographs, and audiovisual recordings that highlight Baldwin’s work as a writer, social critic, and activist. Our holdings reflect the government’s mistrust of Baldwin as well as his activism and participation in major Civil Rights events to include the 1963 March on Washington.”
Following the film screening, panelists Cree Myles, influencer and host of the podcast All Ways Black; Dr. Frank Leon Roberts, associate professor, English and Black Studies, Amherst University; and filmmaker Karen Thorsen discussed Baldwin’s impact and influence as a writer and activist. Political analyst and NBC News, MSNBC, and CNBC contributor Anthony Coley moderated the conversation.
On Saturday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m., the Archives will welcome Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson for a discussion with Kai Wright, host of the podcast Notes From America With Kai Wright, on Justice Brown’s new memoir, Lovely One. The book details Brown’s family’s ordeals during American segregation, to Brown’s confirmation as the first Black woman justice on America’s Supreme Court, all within the span of just one generation.
“Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is the first African American woman to sit on our nation’s highest bench, the Supreme Court, in the 235 years since it was established. She broke through a barrier that many thought impossible, and serves as an inspiration for our entire nation, and our future,” said Jay Bosanko, Deputy Archivist of the United States. “We at the National Archives are honored to host her and look forward to all the many great things she will do in the future.”
Following the discussion, acoustic vocal and percussion group Women of the Calabash will perform. Those interested in attending may register here.
Visit the National Archives online for more news, and view the Calendar of Events for upcoming programs.
Visit the National Archives Catalog to search digitized federal records in our holdings.