Celebrate 50 years of the Black Panther Party and its artwork on November 14

In celebration of 50 years since the formation of the Black Panther Party, the MultiCultural Center will host artists Emory Douglas and Akinsanya Kambon on Monday, November 14, from 6-8 p.m. in the MultiCultural Center Theater.

The event, "Revolutionary Art and Black Liberation: The Black Panther Party to Black Lives Matter and Beyond," will include a presentation on "the role of art in cultivating a radical imagination and developing activist practices" as well as a conversation with Felice Blake, Professor of English, and Diane Fujino, Professor of Asian American Studies and Director of the Center for Black Studies Research. A reception will be held at the MCC at 8 p.m. following the presentation and discussion. The MCC is also currently displaying pieces of art from the Black Panther Movement in its lounge.

Emory Douglas and Akinsanya Kambon will discuss their bodies of work over the past several decades, as well as how the current relevance of art in the liberation of oppressed communities around the globe. Douglas, Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, is considered one of the most iconic artists of the movement. The influence of Douglas's graphic designs has been reflected in other movements' art, including that of Zapatistas, Cubanos, and the Maori.

Kambon is the creator of the Black Panther Coloring Book and draws upon his own Panther experiences, his service in Vietnam, and his world travelling as source material for his work. His work includes various media, including sculpture, painting, drawing, and watercolor.

As part of the celebration of Black Panther art, an Intergenerational Activist Dialogue will take place on Sunday, November 13, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at La Casa de la Raza. This event will feature experienced activists in discussion with youth leaders and organizers about the future of activist endeavors.

A flyer and information is available here.