Events

Fortune’s Bones Opening Event
WHO WAS FORTUNE?
Monday, September 19 . 7.30PM
Learn the story of Fortune and the issues it raises, in collaboration with the people who have worked together to honor Fortune and his legacy.

DR. YSAYE BARNWELL COMMUNITY SING
Tuesday, September 20 . 5.30PM
Join Ysaye Barnwell in rhythms, chants and songs in the African American vocal tradition. All are welcome and no experience is necessary.

A QUESTION OF HISTORY AND HUMANITY:
WHO SPEAKS FOR FORTUNE?
Monday, October 10, 2011 . 7.30PM
A panel moderated by radio host Kojo Nnamdi will explore the questions raised by Fortune’s story.

THE CONTINUUM:
FROM FORTUNE TO HENRIETTA LACKS AND BEYOND
Monday, February 6 . 7:30PM: Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 . 7.30PM: Oxon Hill Branch, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
From Fortune’s time in eighteenth-century Connecticut to the current day, what are the ethics in medical education, research, treatment and practice?

TRACES OF THE TRADE:
A STORY FROM THE DEEP NORTH
Monday, February 20 . 7PM:
In this feature documentary, filmmaker Katrina Browne discovers that her New England ancestors, the DeWolfes, were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. The film will be preceded by remarks from UMD history professor Richard Bell.

SLAVERY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Friday, February 24 . 7PM
Ira Berlin, author and professor of history at the University of Maryland, will discuss the connections between slavery and the building of the university.

Pre-Performance Discussions
FORTUNE’S BONES: THE MANUMISSION REQUIEM
Saturday, February 25 . 7PM
Sunday, February 26 . 2PM
Join us one hour before each presentation of Fortune’s Bones: The Manumission Requiem for background and discussion. You do not need a ticket to the Fortune’s Bones performance to attend the discussions.

FORTUNE’S BONES: THE MANUMISSION REQUIEM
Saturday, February 25 . 8PM
Sunday, February 26 . 3PM
Dr. Ysaye Barnwell’s Fortune’s Bones cantata, performed by a full symphony, two choirs, seven soloists and a chorus of African bells, is the centerpiece of a performance that celebrates the fullness of African-American life. Together, the artists will metaphorically set Fortune’s bones to rest.

WHAT THE LYRICS OF SPIRITUALS HAVE TOLD US, THEN AND NOW
Tuesday, March 6 . 5.30PM
Dr. Ysaye Barnwell will explore what the lyrics of spirituals have to tell us about the African experience in American history.

McINTOSH COUNTY SHOUTERS
Tuesday, March 6 . 8PM
Call-and-response, cries, hollers, blue notes and rhythmic aspects of ring shout have been credited with laying the foundation for black music styles through the present day.

FORTUNE’S BONES FINAL EVENT
Sunday, April 15 . 3PM: The Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center
Many of us have participated in funerary traditions that include a wake, a funeral service and a celebration of the life that is lost to us. Each of these elements will be represented in the full range of Fortune’s Bones activities throughout the season. This closure event will celebrate Fortune’s life and reflect on all that has taken place over the course of the project.