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2022 Virtual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Celebration: Joy as an Act of Resistance
This year, the Saint Louis Art Museum offers a virtual edition of the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Celebration. This presentation is inspired by photographs of Dr. King by Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Moneta Sleet Jr. that embody the concept of joy as an act of resistance. Local Black performing artists, Freeman Word, Robert Crenshaw, and Alicia Revé, respond to the photographs from the Museum’s collection through dance, music, and spoken word.
Presented with generous support from Edward Jones.
Introduction
Jacqueline Thompson introduces the 2022 virtual program, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Celebration: Joy as an Act of Resistance.
And Up from the Gut
Freeman Word performs his original work, And Up from the Gut, in response to Moneta Sleet Jr.’s photograph, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. singing spirituals after Peace Prize Ceremony.
Black Boy Joy
Robert Crenshaw performs his original work, Black Boy Joy, in response to Moneta Sleet Jr.’s photograph, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and family at home – Montgomery.
Left Foot Right
Alicia Revé performs her original work, Left Foot Right in response to Moneta Sleet Jr.’s photograph, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the midst at the March on Washington.
Reflection
Michael E. Blanford provides his personal reflections and a call to action on behalf of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
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