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Arab America and the University of the District of Columbia Commemorate the Struggle for Justice in the African American and Arab American Communities
Arab America in collaboration with the University of the District of Columbia are proud to present, “From Ferguson to Chapel Hill: Together We Stand for Justice,” for Black History Month at the UDC Theater of the Arts Auditorium, 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Thursday, February 26, 2015, 7:30-8:30 pm (doors open at 7:00pm).
In the wake of tragic events in Ferguson, and the recent murder of three Arab/Muslim American students in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, prejudice is still directed against people of color. Both African Americans and Arab Americans stand together for equality and the struggle for civil rights and justice for all.
The event will feature author and humanitarian, Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, (who is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of her legendary father, Malcolm X), Lydia Lyon, African American songstress of both the African American and Arab American music genres, and Emmy Winning and Academy Award nominated Connie Field, Director of the critically acclaimed film, Al Helm: MLK in Palestine.
“Last week’s horrific shooting of three Arab-Americans was racially motivated because of religion and ethnicity,” says Arab America President, Warren David. “The purpose of this event is to commemorate Black History Month and for our communities to stand together both, African American and Arab American. I can think of no better event than this one which brings our two communities together in solidarity.”
“The challenge of creating a unified community belongs to everyone,” says Interim University President, Dr. James Lyons, who considers Black History month as part of our collective community heritage. “The struggles and accomplishments of any one group of people should be shared by everyone. We must all strive to broaden our perspectives by considering what we have in common and by listening to each other more closely. Seeing ourselves as one community, while still respecting our differences and honoring our unique cultures, is essential to realizing our vision for a unified community. Since history belongs to all of us, perhaps the month of February is a good place to start.”
Film Showing at UDC:
In addition to the February 26th event, “Al Helm: Martin Luther King in Palestine,” will be shown at UDC on Friday, February 27, 7:30pm at the Van Ness Campus, Building 41, Room A03. The film, chronicles the Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute’s play about King performed by the Palestinian National Theatre and an African-American gospel choir. The film captures the growing non-violent movement of young people in Palestine, and brings a fresh perspective in understanding the realities of Palestinian life under occupation. Academy Award nominated director Connie Field directed the film which won the Justice Matters Award at the DC Film Festival last year. She will be available after the showing for Q & A.
About Ambassador Shabazz:
Appointed as the Ambassador-at-Large by the Prime Minister of Belize, Shabazz is an advisor on international cultural affairs & project development. As a writer, diplomat, and the eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, she is among the most sought after and captivating speakers in the United States, Europe, Africa and Central America. Through her dynamic and inspirational words, she seeks to motivate and encourage people to recognize the value in and appreciation of diverse cultural engagement, traditions and perspectives. She encourages dialogue between diverse people to create a better understanding of history and unity among different cultures.
About Lydia Lyon:
Born in Saint Louis, Missouri, Lydia Lyon began her career performing alongside great musicians. Her work brought her to perform multiple times with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and Choir, Jazz Saint Louis, and Lamar Harris and The L Band. She had the great opportunity to share the stage with and open for Earth, Wind, and Fire, The Roots, and Bilal. As a student at the acclaimed Berklee College of Music in Boston, Lyon has performed with and recorded for greats such as, Wyclef Jean, Alison Krauss, actor Kevin James, Regina Carter, and The Eagles. Recently she has become immersed with Arab music performing in both the classic and pop genres.
About Connie Field:
Emmy Winning and Academy Award nominated director Connie Field has made a number of high profile documentaries that have been shown all over the world. She just recently finished “Al Helm: Martin Luther King in Palestine” which won the Justice Matters Award at the DC Film Festival and the Emmy Winning series “Have You Heard From Johannesburg” on the global movement that ended Apartheid in South Africa. Some of her previous work includes the Academy Award nominated “Freedom on My Mind” a history of the civil rights movement in Mississippi: the feminist classic “The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter” and “¡Salud!” on Cuba’s role in the struggle for global health equity which won the Council on Foundations Henry Hampton Award.
About Arab America:
Arab America is a national organization founded with the purpose of promoting an accurate image about the Arab American community and the Arab world through the dissemination of events and information via the web, social media, television, and radio.
About University of the District of Columbia:
This educational institution is the only public and urban land-grant university in the nation’s capital and the United States. The University of the District of Columbia is committed to a broad mission of education, research, and community service.
For information, complimentary tickets, and media inquiries, contact Arab America, info@arabamerica.com or call 877-272-2944.