MoBE: Music of the Black Experience

A Virtual Exhibition Hosted by the Amelie A. Wallace Gallery

www.amelieawallacegallery.org

October 16 – December 31, 2020

Public Program: November 16, 2020, 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EST)

https://suny-ow-edu.zoom.us/j/99429741540

Music of the Black Experience is a virtual exhibition devoted to highlighting the contributions of Black people in the United States of America through their music. Jonathan Gusman, a Visual Arts student and intern appointed by Professors Ronnie Burrage and Hyewon Yi, has compiled a list of fifty songs dating from the early 1900s through the present day. Accompanying the music are notes by Gusman describing pertinent history. Some songs convey the horrors of marginalization and oppression, while others express pride of identity and a desire for racial equality. A few songs were chosen to expose the corruption of white-owned record labels that exploited Black artists.

Produced expressly for this project is an animation by Visual Arts student Kassandra Papa with by music by Ronnie Burrage & Holographic Principle on Truth Revolution Records in collaboration with MiMikAlana Records, featuring, Nimrod Speaks on bass, Michal Weirba on keyboards, Ronnie Burrage drums, keyboards, and vocals. "Someday" was written by Donny Hathaway and Edward Howard.

A virtual public event is scheduled for November 16, 2020, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm EST, followed by a discussion and Q&A session led by Professor Burrage’s students in his African American Music class at CUNY Brooklyn and History of Jazz at SUNY OW. To join the zoom meeting, please register at https://suny-ow-edu.zoom.us/j/5308821373.

MoBE: Music of The Black Experience was coined by Ronnie Burrage, whose companies, World Rhythm Academy and RoBurrage Productions, have used the title for educational purposes.

The exhibition may be accessed via www.amelieawallacegallery.org.

About Amelie A. Wallace Gallery:

Formally dedicated on May 22, 1979, the Gallery is named for the late Amelie Alexanderson Wallace in recognition of her unflagging support of the College and her personal commitment to the arts at Old Westbury. The Gallery exhibits Contemporary art by emerging and mid-career artists, as well as works by faculty and students of the Visual Arts Department. Public programs designed to accompany exhibitions comprise lectures and discussions led by artists and curators, as well as live performances and video presentations.

For more information, contact:

Gallery Director: Hyewon Yi, PhD

YiH@oldwestbury.edu

Gallery Hours:

Due to COVID-19, the Amelie A. Wallace Gallery is closed. Please enjoy our virtual exhibitions until the gallery can reopen.

Location:

Campus Center, Main Level

Amelie A. Wallace Gallery

SUNY College at Old Westbury

Old Westbury, NY 11568

USA