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Passing and Identity within the Black Experience at Busboys and Poets

February 9, 2020

5PM
Busboys & Poets Shirlington
FREE, No Reservations Required

Join our panel of experts and members of the Gun & Powder cast as they discuss notions of identity and passing in pieces of historical fiction and government policy today.

Panelists:

Jeffrey Colvin’s assured and captivating novel, AFRICAVILLE (Amistad; December 10, 2019), weaves a rich narrative tapestry from the colorful threads of multiple generations in one family. The title is inspired by Africaville, a real settlement in Halifax, Nova Scotia, whose black population—largely the descendants of slaves from the American South and the Caribbean— carved out a community against the harsh maritime landscape and against bigotry and racism. In telling this story, Colvin hopes to highlight the many “lost” free black communities throughout North America that have faded from history books and memory.

Awa Sal Secka has been a fan favorite in musicals and plays across the DC area, including Jesus Christ Superstar at Signature, Into the Woods and The Wiz at Ford’s Theatre, School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play at Round House Theatre, Me Jane at the Kennedy Center, and many more.

Da’Von T. Moody is a charming actor making his mark on the DC theatre scene. His recent credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Signature, the Amazing Grace National Tour, and The Wiz at Ford’s Theatre, and more.

Moderator: Jamila Bey is a journalist and radio talk show host based in Washington, DC. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR, and various other outlets. As a speaker and writer, Jamila’s areas of expertise include US culture, race and politics, science, health and family policy, and all issues concerning the First Amendment particularly issues concerning religion and the separation of State and Church. She has been a fellow of the Association of Health Care Journalists, and Joy Jay College of Criminal Justice Langoleth Foundation.