5 may 1968 & george washington university black arts festival
#OTD 5 May 1968 The Black Student Union at George Washington University (20th & H Sts, NW) held a Black Arts and Entertainment Festival on the campus. Today was the second day of the weekend event. Peggy Cooper, a senior, served as the festival chair. One of the goals of the festival was to showcase art, photography, fashion literature and music for children in the city. Here's a list of events and the individuals and organizations who helped to make them possible:
1. Art exhibit, Dimock Gallery, Lisner Auditorium, included works by Richard Dempsey, Sam Gilliam, Lloyd McNeill, Leo Robinson, Alma Thomas and Kenneth Young
2. Photography exhibit included works by George DeVincent and John Pinderhughes
3. Fashion Show by Toast & Strawberries
4. Music, organized by Tony Taylor, owner of Bohemian Caverns, included Lloyd McNeill Quartet, Sam & Dave, Unifics, Curtis Taylor (flute), New Esquires
5. Food provided by Sisters' Food Service and Ed Murphy's Supper Club
6. Books provided by Discount Book Shop
7. Show Mobile & co-sponsorship provided by Mayor's Youth Unit, under direction of James Jones
8. Lloyd McNeill designed the publicity poster
Your comments are welcome below. Did you, a family member or neighbor help organize the festival? Did you attend the festival? Did you perform or showcase your work at the festival? Do you have a copy of the publicity poster? Do you recognize anyone in the photographs? You may comment privately here.
Photo sources: Courtesy George Washington University, Hatchet Newspaper 7 May 1968, photographer unknown. Courtesy George Washington University Special Collections, University Relations Photo Collection, Black Arts Festival, 4 May 1968. Box 40 Folder 568. Shields, photographer.
Bobbie Heller, "Black Arts Festival A Mixed Success," Hatchet 7 May 1968. Includes photos of art exhibit.
