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Movie’s Lead Writer and Poet Sonia Sanchez to Attend; Movie Celebrates Lincoln Alumnus’ Legacy
Lincoln University, PA (www.lincoln.edu)— Lincoln University will present an exclusive, on-campus screening of the BLACK STARZ! network original, Hughes’ Dream Harlem, on Thursday, March 6 at Langston Hughes Memorial Library at 4 p.m.
The event will also include a post-screening question and answer period featuring the movie’s lead writer and producer, journalist Darralynn Hutson. Also scheduled to participate in the program are renowned poets Sonia Sanchez, Earl “Brother Earl” Majette and Sydnee Stewart. Each were among the numerous poets and writers who recited original poetry in the movie.
Hughes’ Dream Harlem originally aired on BLACK STARZ!, a digital cable network which broadcasts black classic and network original movies, in September 2002. Shot entirely in Harlem, New York, Hughes’ Dream Harlem features a powerful ensemble of writers, poets and actors who share anecdotes on the literary legacy of Langston Hughes (played by actor Don Cogsville, Jr.; actor Jamal Joseph, Jr. plays young Langston), the famed poet and 1929 alumnus of Lincoln University. Narrated by award-winning actor Ozzie Davis, Hughes’ Harlem Dreams features conversations about Langston Hughes from writers and appreciators of the arts such as Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, Kevin Powell, Talib Kweli, Jessica Care Moore and actress Ruby Dee.
“We feel very privileged to host an event of this magnitude,” Emery Wimbish, Jr., dean of Lincoln University Libraries. “This screening is particularly relevant because of Langston Hughes’ connection with the University. We hope that our students, faculty, staff and surrounding communities come out to see this excellent piece on one of Lincoln’s greatest sons—Langston Hughes.”
Designed as a cine poetic experience, Hughes’ Dream Harlem includes performances by spoken word poets, musicians and various dance performers, including the Harlem Heritage Swing Dancers and Impact Repertory Theatre. Hughes’ Dream Harlem is directed, written and produced by ex-Black Panther Party member and Columbia University professor, Jamal Joseph (Ali: An American Hero). Hutson, a highly acclaimed entertainment journalist and scriptwriter, wrote and produced the movie along with Harlem music and theatre veteran Voza Rivers. Hutson’s work is frequently featured in such publications as Upscale, The Source, Honey, Savoy, DGA and Black Voices Quarterly.
Lincoln has the unprecedented distinction among all colleges and universities of having two of its alumni honored with U.S. commemorative stamps. In February 2002, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative, first class stamp honoring Hughes on his 100th birthday. This past January, the U.S. Postal Service honored Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, and a 1930 Lincoln University graduate, by making him the 26th honoree in Black Heritage Commemorative Series.
Founded in 1854 as America’s first Historically Black University, Lincoln University is one of the nation’s leading producers of African Americans with undergraduate degrees in the physical sciences (biology, chemistry and physics); computer and information sciences; and biological and life sciences. The University’s liberal arts and sciences-based undergraduate curriculum, and selected graduate courses, meet the needs of students competing in a highly technological and global society.
The University will celebrate its sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary, from April 2003 through May 2004 with an array of campus and external events, activities and announcements.