The Lost Negroes of North America: A Silent Film Experience

Produced by: Ralph L. Crowder III

The Institute for Advanced Study, Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, and The Frances E. Thompson Digital Library for Family Research will debut select produced works from Independent Journalist Ralph L. Crowder III's traveling multimedia showcase entitled Before The Mayflowers Landed. This series of films, media, and community discussions engage unique perspectives specific to Black America’s Hip Hop generation which recently turned 50 years old. The theme and subject matter of presented materials will cover various social, cultural, political, and historical topics designed to influence critical thought about current issues impacting the human condition in areas like the Twin Cities.

Interested students and educators in the fields of study relating to African American, American, Media, Preservation/Archive/Curatorial, Arts, Theater, Sociology, Education, Human/Youth Development, Race, Politics, and Public Health are encouraged to attend. 

Identified Leaders in The Arts, Business, Education, & Diversity/Equity/Inclusion departments, with select media, will be invited to a special opening ceremony with various participating U of M staff, Showcase Organizers, and community.

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 is concluding a 2023 IAS-Hub Spring Fellowship at the University of Minnesota.

Presented by The Frances E. Thompson Digital Library for Family Research in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Liberal Arts Engagement Hub and Institute for Advanced Study. Cosponsored by the Department of African American & African Studies, Department of American Studies, Department of Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature, Heritage Studies & Public History, Department of History, Hubbard School of Journalism, School of Social Work, Department of Sociology.