CHICAGO, IL- January 12, 2012— This February for African American history month, the Chicago History Museum’s Out in Chicago exhibit will create the opportunity for a unique discussion on race, sexuality, identity and feminism.
The Public Square, a program of the Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) will be hosting the discussion, When Identities Collide: Sexuality and Black Feminism, featuring author Kimberly Springer and Jennifer Brier, co-curator of the exhibit Out in Chicago, on Saturday, February 18, 2012, 1-4pm at the Chicago History Museum in Chicago. The program, co-sponsored by the Chicago History Museum and Gender and Women’s Studies Program at University of Illinois at Chicago, among others, will explore the history of lesbians in the Black feminist movement and the future of queer, feminist, women of color organizing.
Kimberly Springer is author of Living for the Revolution: Black Feminist Organizations, 1968-1980, an essential reference on the history of the women’s movement, and the author of “Queering Black Female Heterosexuality” in Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and A World With Rape, co-editor of Stories of Oprah: The Oprahfication of American Culture and editor of Still Lifting,Still Climbing: Contemporary African American Women’s Activism.
The event will include a free, self-guided tour of the critically-acclaimed exhibition, Out in Chicago, which explores issues of language, gender expression, identity, the role of LGBT people in politics and culture, and family relationships. Also, Jennifer Brier, co-curator of the exhibit and Acting Director of Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, will share insights on gender, community and identity and the heritage of Chicago’s diverse LGBT community.
The event is part of the IHC’s program, The Public Square, which fosters debate, dialogue, and exchange of ideas about cultural, social, and political issues with an emphasis on social justice. Co-presenters and sponsors include the Gender and Women’s Studies Program at University of Illinois at Chicago, the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture at University of Chicago, the Depaul University Women’s Center, and the Chicago History Museum.
When Identities Collide: Sexuality and Black Feminism, will take place Saturday, February 18, 2012, 1-4pm at the Chicago History museum (1601 N. Clark Street) in Chicago. Self-guided tours of the exhibit will begin at 1pm, with the discussion taking place from 2-4pm. The event is free to the public, though reservations are required and can be made by visiting the event page. For more information on the event, please contact Alice Kim, Director of The Public Square, at (312) 422-5580, x238.
About the Illinois Humanities Council
The Illinois Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. The IHC creates programs and funds organizations that promote greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. The IHC is supported by state, federal, and private funds.
Media Contact:
Carlos Velázquez
(312) 422-5580, x233
cav@prairie.org
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