ENGLISH
February 4 – February 9
The Autobiography of Malcolm X written with Alex Haley literally put the Black in Led Black. The book, which has sold untold millions of copies and influenced everyone from Huey P. Newton, to Spike Lee, to Public Enemy, among many others, seemed to materialize out of nowhere at a crucial point in my development as a person and as a thinker. It was during my years in the Bronx High School of Science that the book found its way into my life and thank God that it did. I read it transfixed. I could not put it down. Malcolm’s singular fixation with history spurred my own and gave me the impetus to read, learn and grow with reckless abandon. The lessons I learned from studying the trajectory of his life gave me the wherewithal to decide, right then and there, that I and I alone, would determine my destiny. That excellence was a choice that was mine to make, that I could not and would not let my circumstances define or defeat me.
With that said, on the 54th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X, February 21, 2019, I will be at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (515 Malcolm X Boulevard) for a special event commemorating his life and legacy. The Schomburg Center recently acquired manuscripts of The Autobiography of Malcolm X that include handwritten corrections and notes between Malcolm X and Alex Haley, and the full, unpublished chapter titled “The Negro.” Following personal exploration into the manuscripts, program participants will discuss these revelatory materials and how they may further shape an understanding of Malcolm X, and the ongoing impact of The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley.
For 50 years, the Dance Theatre of Harlem has inspired the world with a revolutionary vision of a multiethnic ballet company. Co-founded by the great Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, the company performs ground-breaking works with power and grace. Celebrate 50 years of excellence at the world famous Apollo Theater for a very special presentation of its legendary lecture demonstration. See what goes into making a dancer, the elements of a dance, the links between popular dance and ballet, and how it all comes together to make magic. A few students will even get a chance to show off their moves on stage. It all goes down on Saturday, February 16 at 1:00 p.m.
Keep checking us out at www.uptowncollective.com.
Led Black
Editor-in-Chief
The Uptown Collective
The UC’s mission is to become “the” definitive, transformative and community-based force impacting the arts, culture, business and New York City’s overall perception of Upper Manhattan. Its objective is to reset, reboot and positively redefine Uptown’s artistic, political, cultural and business spheres via the online space as well the collective’s initiatives and functions.
