Fall 2019 Culture Watch: National Museum of African American History and Culture Announces 2019 Fall Programming

Programming Launches With Talk on Museum’s Latest Book, “We Return Fighting: World War I and the Shaping of Modern Black Identity”

Programming Lineup Features Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, Susan Rice, Beverly Guy-Sheftall and Treva Lindsay

To commemorate the upcoming Veterans Day and the centennial of World War I, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has announced a public program on the museum’s latest book, We Return Fighting: World War I and the Shaping of Modern Black Identity, Thursday, Nov. 7. Guest curator Krewasky Salter will join Howard University Professor Greg Carr for a one-on-one discussion on the WWI experience told through the lens of African American soldiers, military families, women, anti-war advocates and public intellectuals who played a vital role in WWI and how they hoped to live out post-Civil War expectations of full citizenship upon returning home. The discussion is free and open to the public. More information about the book and the upcoming WWI exhibition is available on the museum’s website.

The book event is the highlight of an lively November programming schedule that also features a program on African American feminism with Beverly Guy-Sheftall and Treva Lindsay, an intimate conversation with former National Security Adviser to President Obama and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice and an interactive program on how economic and social inequities negatively affect the health of communities of color in the latest installment of the program series, A Seat at the Table.

All programs held in the museum’s Oprah Winfrey Theater will stream live on the museum’s Ustream channel at ustream.tv.

November Programming

Lectures & Discussion: Is Womanist To Feminist As Purple Is To Lavender?: African American Women Writers and Scholars Discuss Feminism

Saturday, Nov. 2; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Oprah Winfrey Theater)

Inspired by Alice Walker’s expression on feminism, Is Womanist To Feminist As Purple Is To Lavender? African American Women Writers and Scholars Discuss Feminism refers to a quotation taken from her seminal anthology of essays, In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Womanist Prose. In the piece, Walker gave name to the idea of the importance of theorizing feminism from an African American perspective. Through performance and discussion, the program will explore feminism and womanism in contemporary African American women’s intellectual and literary thought featuring Beverly Guy-Sheftall, a pioneering veteran of the field of African American feminism, and Treva Lindsey, a leading representative of the contemporary generation of feminist scholars. Before and after the discussion, two dynamic poetry performers, Holly Bass and Venus Thrash, will explore feminism creatively. The program will end with an audience Q&A and book signing. Admission is free; however, registration is required at https://nmaahc.si.edu/event/upcoming.

A Seat at the Table: Racial Disparities and Health

Sunday, Nov. 3; 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Heritage Hall)

The museum will host a thought-provoking conversation on racial disparities in health outcomes in this latest installment of the A Seat at the Table program series. Cindy George of Texas Medical Center’s TMC Pulse magazine will moderate a discussion between National Medical Association Director Martin Hamlette and University of Maryland Professor Craig Fryer about how economic and social inequities negatively impact the health outcomes of communities of color. After the presentation, audience participants will have the opportunity to share their stories and ideas on ways of improving their health and the health of their communities. A Seat at the Table is an interactive program for participants to consider challenging questions about race, identity and economic justice over a family-style meal. To purchase tickets and to learn about the latest installment of A Seat at the Table, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/event/upcoming.

Lectures & Discussion: We Return Fighting: World War I and the Shaping of Modern Black Identity

Thursday, Nov. 7; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Oprah Winfrey Theater)

Photo Courtesy of the National Museum of African American History and Culture)

Ahead of Veterans Day, the museum will host a public program on the its latest book: We Return Fighting: World War I and the Shaping of Modern Black Identity. Through essays and photos, the book tells the stories of how black soldiers fought a war abroad and came home to combat racial injustices in the United States. Copies of the book will be available in Heritage Hall. For ticket information and more details on the book event, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/event/upcoming.

Cinema at NMAAHC: WAVES

Sunday, Nov. 10; 2 p.m. (Oprah Winfrey Theater)

The museum will host a special screening of the movie Waves. The film, starring Sterling K. Brown and Lucas Hedge, is set against the vibrant landscape of South Florida. Waves traces the epic emotional journey of a suburban African American family—led by a well-intentioned but domineering father—as they navigate love, forgiveness and coming together in the aftermath of a loss. For ticket information and more details on the book event, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/event/upcoming.

Cultural Expressions: Mindful Eating for the Holiday

Wednesday, Nov. 13; 7 p.m. (Oprah Winfrey Theater)

To kick-off the holiday season, the museum will host a panel discussion on how we all can eat healthier during the holidays. With Thanksgiving around the corner, many Americans gather with friends and family to feast on good food. Foods enjoyed by African Americans traditionally represent an important cultural touchstone during the holidays. However, many dishes, while delicious, are not always the healthiest choices. In this program, nutritionists and food historians will discuss the history behind favorite holiday foods and how to adapt recipes using more healthful ingredients. For ticket information and more details on the book event, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/event/upcoming.

Birthright Citizens: A History of Race & Rights in Antebellum America

Saturday, Nov. 16; noon (Robert F. Smith Family History Center, Level 2)

Special guest Martha S. Jones will discuss how African Americans fought for their legal rights through the courts, conventions and the legislative process from her award-winning book Birthright Citizens: A History of Race & Rights in Antebellum America. With a focus on 19th-century Baltimore, Birthright Citizens uses archival records and new scholarly research to uncover how free blacks influenced the terms of citizenship for all Americans. Jones is the Society of Black Alumni Presidential Professor and a professor of history at Johns Hopkins University. To register for the event, email familyhistorycenter@si.edu.

December Programming

Tough Love: Conversation Between Susan Rice and Lonnie G. Bunch III

Tuesday, Dec. 3; 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Oprah Winfrey Theater)

Susan Rice, former national security adviser and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, will discuss her recently published memoir, Tough Love. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III will be in conversation with Rice for an hour, focusing on the challenges that Rice faced while leading the National Security Agency during the Obama administration, along with pivotal moments in her storied career. Books will be available for sale and signing courtesy of Smithsonian Enterprises. For ticket information and more details on the book event, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/event/upcoming.

2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Discover Your Merry With What’s New This Holiday at Macy’s

Explore The Wonder Of The Season With New Brands, Experiences And Services To Make Shopping Easy In-Store And Online at macys.com

As The Holiday Gift Destination, Macy’s Offers A Festive Assortment Of The Perfect Gifts For The Whole Family

Macy’s Puts Holiday In The Palm Of Each Shopper’s Hand With Store Maps And Style Inspiration Directly From Its Award-Winning App

This year, Macy’s makes navigating holiday shopping even easier with a seasonally curated assortment of the best gifts in-store and online, brands that will deck the halls and keep guests happy, plus services to make picking out the perfect gift more convenient than ever. From finding a new fragrance or creating a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry to using technology to refresh any space for entertaining, what’s new at Macy’s this holiday has everyone covered.

In-Store Exclusives

Take on the role of Santa and head into your local Macy’s for unique and custom experiences to make shopping for gifts fun and convenient.

Find the best gift in fashion, beauty, home and toys this holiday season at Macy’s. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Fragrance Bar

The holidays are the perfect time to gift a new scent, and Macy’s new Fragrance Bar allows customers to find their favorite. The Fragrance Bar’s interactive screens activate when shoppers engage with them by picking up a fragrance bottle, scent stick, or simply touching it. From there, customers can learn all about the selected fragrance, including scent notes, information about the perfumer and customer reviews, and each product has a QR code enabled for product purchase, allowing them to scan and pay through Macy’s mobile app, and pick up in-store. Visit Macy’s fragrance hub online to take a quiz to uncover your perfect scent match, learn about the newest scents of the season, and more.

Macy’s Fragrance Bar: Find the best gift in fashion, beauty, home and toys this holiday season at Macy’s. (Photo: Business Wire)

Create Your Own Jewelry

For the most luxe, one-of-a-kind gift this holiday season, visit stores to experience Macy’s newly launched “Create Your Own” jewelry program. Shoppers work with a Macy’s colleague to choose gemstones, diamonds, metals, shapes, settings and more via in-store tablets. Options for men and women include incredible engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and charms. Once the design is complete, the final, personalized piece will be delivered to the customer’s home or local store in seven days, making thoughtful gifting simple this holiday season.

Holiday Lane for Trim and Toys

Discover the wonder of the holidays by visiting Macy’s Holiday Lane Toy and Trim Pop-Ups, to shop a festive assortment of Christmas décor and toy gifts. These independent store fronts in select locations will make spirits bright by showcasing some of the season’s most popular toys, glistening ornaments and classic decorations, plus beautiful wreath adornments and lush garlands to make this year’s holiday a memorable one.

Additionally, customers can shop both trim and toys in more than 500 Macy’s stores across the country, featuring exclusive items from F.A.O. Schwarz, plus a well-rounded assortment from popular brands including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher Price®, Board Games, L.O.L. Dolls, PAW Patrol® and Lego®.

Virtual Reality in Furniture

Give yourself the ultimate seasonal splurge and purchase a new piece of furniture just in time for holiday entertaining. With Macy’s “See Your Space IRL” technology, shoppers can virtually see each piece in their home through the in-store VR experience. Now available in 140 stores nationwide, virtual reality technology allows customers to ensure that their purchase will elevate their next holiday gathering, whether they’re looking to buy a comfy couch for the whole family or an apartment-sized dining table. There are thousands of products to choose from, including new additions, such as rugs, upholstery and lighting. Starting mid-November, shoppers’ favorite Customize It feature will now be available in a VR experience. Choose from an assortment of different fabrics and colors to design a truly unique piece of furniture. Customers can also use their mobile device to visualize select furniture pieces in their space via augmented reality technology through Macy’s app and make a purchase from the convenience of their phone.

The Park at Herald Square

At Macy’s iconic 34th Street Flagship, customers can shop the re-imagined men’s store featuring new and exciting products, fashion-forward brands and a curated space highlighting trends called The Park, which completely refreshes every eight to 12 weeks. The newly unveiled 14,500 square foot main floor experience is a lifestyle hotspot for the fashion-conscious, urban customer to be inspired and discover new brands and fashion in a trendy, au courant setting.

Find the best gift in fashion, beauty, home and toys this holiday season at Macy’s. (Photo: Business Wire)

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts!

Whether you’re shopping for mom, dad or the one and only best friend, Macy’s selection of gift ideas takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect gift.

Find the best gift in fashion, beauty, home and toys this holiday season at Macy’s. (Photo: Business Wire)

New for the Home

Keep comfort and coziness top of mind this season with Hotel Collection’s new line, Hotel Collection Classic. Created exclusively for Macy’s, the new line was designed for the traditional customer looking for elevated luxury expressed in an authentic classic aesthetic. From rich jacquards and stunning velvets to beautiful embellishments, Classic offers timeless elegance for the home. The line has a range of pieces that will impress your holiday houseguests, including duvets, comforters, shams, coverlets, sheets, bed skirts and decorative pillows.

Experience ‘Silent Night’ at The Spas at Mandarin Oriental on 11 December 2019

In our increasingly hectic and urbanised world, silence is a precious commodity, which is why The Spas at Mandarin Oriental are ‘turning down the volume’ once again with their annual offer of a night of silence in their spas worldwide on December 11, 2019.

The multi-award-winning Spas at Mandarin Oriental are havens for contemplation and discovery. Guided by the Group’s oriental heritage but influenced by local cultural diversity, Mandarin Oriental has created distinctive concepts with highly sophisticated spa offerings. Each Spa at Mandarin Oriental is designed to offer a complete holistic experience that goes well beyond simply delivering massages to tired bodies. Highly trained therapists are thoroughly educated to the Group’s own exacting standards, and all take pride in delivering a bespoke service to meet guests’ personal wellness needs.

Experience ‘Silent Night’ at The Spas at Mandarin Oriental on December 11, 2019

On Silent Night, all the Group’s spas will offer their normal treatment menu, but after 5pm there will be no talking and no music within the spa to instill a sense of peace and allow for individuals to experience contemplation and mindfulness. All communication will take place in a brief consultation at the beginning of the spa journey, before the guest changes into their robe.

“A lot of the value of a spa experience comes from simply disconnecting from technology and experiencing time for yourself in silence,” said Jeremy McCarthy, Group Spa Director for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “During this stressful time of the year, we want to create a space where people can press the pause button and have some time to think, meditate, or just take a break from being inundated with noise.”

Guests are encouraged to come alone or to bring a loved one with whom they would like to share an experience of silent connection. This is also the perfect time to take advantage of the Group’s Digital Wellness initiative. This provides guests with access to a range of wellness advice and activities designed to help them disconnect from technology. Mandarin Oriental has developed a number of tips and guidelines that can help establish personal boundaries on the use of technology, clear mental chatter and establish a healthy, digitally balanced lifestyle.

For those who wish to immerse themselves more fully, a Digital Wellness Escape can be booked at all of the Group’s spas. This 1 hour 20-minute experience focuses on grounding both body and mind through the power of human touch, and is designed to provide a calming and peaceful respite from the outside world and the stress of repetitive movements.

“Wellness experts agree that silence, and the absence of incessant digital noise, is key to our health and wellbeing,” said Susie Ellis, Chairman and CEO of the Global Wellness Institute. “What a perfect time of year to create an opportunity for people to experience disconnection, silence and stillness along with the health benefits that result. Mandarin Oriental’s Silent Night should become a model for all of us to practice throughout the year.”

Guests can also enjoy additional events in certain locations in honour of Silent Night, such as Silent Yoga in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Munich and Marrakech, Meditation Classes in Boston, Canouan, Macau and Hong Kong, or Singing Bowl therapies in Prague and Singapore. Mandarin Oriental Miami and Canouan will have massages on the beach to encourage guests to enjoy Silent Night outdoors and reconnect with nature.

For more information about ‘Silent Night’, and treatment reservations, visit www.mandarinoriental.com

The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Library & Archives Celebrates Archival Collections Project With Neo Sound Event On November 7th

Event To Feature Interviews With Northeast Ohio Musicians And Photographer

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives celebrates its current project to process over 500 previously unavailable archival collections and make them available to the public with a special event on November 7^that 7 p.m. EST. The event includes a panel discussion with NEO Sound donors and new archival display. The event is free with RSVP and takes place in the Fran and Jules Belkin Theatre in the Gill and Tommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts on the Cuyahoga Community College Metro campus (2809 Woodland Avenue).

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame logo

The National Archives grants program, carried out through the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), awarded a two-year grant to the Rock Hall to fund the accessibility of these historically important music resources. Included in the grant project are a number of collections related to NEO Sound, the Rock Hall’s local music preservation initiative.

Panelists include longtime musicians and Rock Hall donors Chris Butler (Waitresses, Tin Huey, 15 60 75) and Marky Ray (terrible parade, Death on a Stick, Death of Samantha, Jim Rose Circus, New Salem Witch Hunters), and photographer Dave Treat, who took some of the earliest images of the legendary Cleveland band the Dead Boys.

The evening will conclude with a reception in the Library & Archives reading room, where attendees can view a new archival display entitled “Local Music U Want: Northeast Ohio Punk and New Wave,” showcasing materials donated by the panelists and made available through the NHPRC grant. “Local Music U Want” focuses on the unique Northeast Ohio punk and new wave scenes of the 1970s and ‘80s, fueled by the changing post-industrial landscape of the “Rust Belt.” Unlike other music scenes in the U.S., Northeast Ohio punk and new wave primarily flew under the radar, allowing the music to evolve into something more avant-garde and exploratory. Featured in the exhibit are photos, stickers, flyers, cassette zines and other promotional materials from the Rock Hall’s NEO Sound collections on local bands the Dead Boys, Devo, New Salem Witch Hunters, Death of Samantha, the Waitresses, Pere Ubu, the Styrenes, Pagans, Tin Huey, and 15 60 75 (The Numbers Band).

The Library & Archives is the most comprehensive repository of materials relating to the history of rock & roll. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and provide access to these resources for scholars, educators, students, journalists, and the general public in order to broaden awareness and understanding of rock & roll, its roots, and its impact on our society. Located in Cleveland, the Library & Archives is free and available for visits by fans, students, outside researchers and the general public. Scheduled appointments are necessary prior to visiting the L&A and can be made by calling 216-515-1956 or emailing library@rockhall.org.