The Lost Negroes of North America: A Silent Film Experience
The decade following the conclusion of World War II is a rich period in American history and progress, but is also a time when African American contributions to family, education, social institutions, and collective wealth are often overlooked. Independent journalist Ralph L. Crowder III presents The Lost Negroes of North America, which examines a different perspective of northern family and community life in South Minneapolis from 1945–1955. The silent film experience includes exceptionally rare 8mm silent film footage from The Frances E. Thompson Digital Library for Family Research and will be accompanied by live, in-theater performances by a DJ, three-piece band, and poet. Prior to the screening, Crowder will be joined on stage by colleagues to discuss this needed reflection on community life.
Note: Livestream will include introduction and panel discussion only. Silent film will only be shown in person.
Reception to follow at 6:00 pm in the Northrop Gallery.
This event is presented in coordination with Alonzo King LINES Ballet Deep River.
Ralph L. Crowder III is currently Program Director of the Frances E. Thompson Digital Library for Family Research where he is developing a catalog of digital earmarks (film, video, audio, print, art, etc.) for the preservation of Minneapolis & Saint Paul's African American family -experience, circa 1945 to present day. Crowder was the inaugural IAS-Hub Community Fellow this Spring 2023 at the University of Minnesota.
