Scientist of Activism
This exhibit honors the decades-long work of Mandy Carter, a Durham-based Black lesbian activist who has been central in the struggle for social justice. While celebrating Mandy and her community organizing tactics, this exhibit celebrates four central anniversaries of national and regional organizations that Mandy joined, founded, or led. These organizations: War Resisters League, celebrating 100 years; 60 years since March On Washington; Southerners On New Ground, celebrating 30 years and the National Black Justice Coalition, recognizing its 20th year, are all central to the legacy of nonviolent resistance, Black freedom movements, and queer liberation and through this exhibit shows what it takes to get us free.
Curator: Kamau Pope, Ph.D student, History Department, Duke University
EXHIBIT EVENTS:
Opening Event: Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Rubenstein Library
- 4:30-5:15 p.m.: Exhibit viewing and reception (Chappell Family Gallery, Rubenstein Library)
- 5:15-6:30 p.m.: Formal program with Mandy Carter and Kamau Pope (Holsti-Anderson Family Assembly Room, Rubenstein Library room 153)
Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., via zoom
“Looking Back, Marching Forward: Mandy Carter, Walter Naegle, Barbara Smith, and Kamau Pope in Conversation,” reflecting on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the 30th anniversary of the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation (1993), and the urgency of connecting history with current struggles for freedom and justice.
Event recording here.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Holsti-Anderson Family Assembly Room, Rubenstein Library
"In Conversation about the National Black Justice Coalition: Mandy Carter, Victoria Kirby York (NBJC), Eric D. Martin (NCCU), and Kamau Pope (Duke)" exploring the history and future of America’s leading national civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+, and same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people.
- 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: Explore "Mandy Carter: Scientist of Activism" exhibit (and reception)
- 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: Panel presentation
Event recording here.
Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Chappell Family Gallery, Rubenstein Library
Guided Tour and Writing workshop with Mandy Carter.
In partnership with the Griot and Grey Owl Black Southerns Writers Conference:
- 11:00 -11:45 a.m.: Guided tour of the exhibit with Mandy Carter
- 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Writing workshop with Mandy Carter
- Boxed lunch provided.
Event recording here.
