The Black Radical tradition carries a legacy of artist-driven utopian visions in the form of free schools, collectives and informal think tanks. These endeavors have seen Black artists of all genres, across the diaspora, working to take control of knowledge production. This is the inspiration behind Return from Exile, a series of programs organized by poet and writer Harmony Holiday. The second program in the series highlights how women play an indispensable role in the tradition of archives and collective improvisation in the African diaspora. Many female poets expanded their writing from song or became bards in the tumultuous 1960s and ‘70s, in search of expressive freedom. The evening includes readings of poems by jazz vocalist and songwriter Abbey Lincoln (1930–2010); poet, vocalist, and dancer Jeanne Lee (1939–2000); and Harlem Renaissance poet Helene Johnson (1906–1995).
Priority tickets are available to MOCA members at any time on the day of the program. Thirty minutes before the program begins tickets will be released to non-members. One ticket per person on a first come, first served basis. Early arrival is recommended.
To become a MOCA member, please contact the membership department at 213/621-1794 or membership@moca.org.
