Black culture center's events hearken to 1968

Originally housed in a modest location in the Student Union, what is now the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black History and Culture was created in 1988.

Twenty years later, the Stone Center is now located in a recently constructed facility on South Road.

But it was 20 years before the center's creation when black culture underwent perhaps its most historic era in the United States.

Accordingly, this semester's programming at the Stone Center will focus on the parallels between 1968 and 2008 and the importance of that era for black culture.

"The year created an atmosphere of change, both politically and socially. Many African Americans see the year as a defining moment in their history," said Olympia Friday, public relations officer for the Stone Center.

"At this time, black America declared a new voice and new identity, amid all of the crushing tragedies and strife."

One of the Stone Center's most important events is its biannual Diaspora Film Festival, which brings documentaries about pertinent issues relating to each year's theme.

The theme of this year's festival, which begins on Sept. 18, is "Post-Racial Nation? Or Permanence of a Racial State."

"Over the past two years, the selected films have demonstrated the commonalities between African Americans and other cultures," Friday said.

"This fall the theme will explore the beliefs and traditions regarding race, skin color and cultural identity."

Among the highlights of this semester's programming is a visit from Tommie Smith, one of the 1968 U.S. Olympians who famously gave the "power to the people" salute on the podium in Mexico City.

"A part of the Stone Center's mission is to promote the critical examination of the African diaspora cultures through dialogue and debate," Friday said. "The fall programs will sustain that open dialogue and discussion about the African diaspora."

In addition to a full slate of documentaries and other films, the center plans to utilize its own Robert and Sallie Brown Gallery and Museum for events such as a exhibit of black film posters from the 20th century, scheduled for Oct. 9.

Numerous lectures are also slated for the coming months, such as the 16th annual Sonja Haynes Stone Memorial Lecture by Judy Richardson, who was once a staff member of the student non-violent coordinating committee during the civil rights era.

Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.