March 12, 2009

Exhibit that explores black influence on music comes to Purdue

The exhibit was produced by the Indiana University Archives of African American Music and consists of topical banners on various themes and genres of African-American music, including soul, funk, gospel rhythm and blues, and hip-hop. The exhibit draws upon materials from the archive's collection and each banner presents viewers with images, text highlighting central issues and personalities and a concise timeline of key historical events.

Established in 1991, the Archives of African American Music and Culture at Indiana University is a repository of materials covering African-American musical idioms and cultural expressions from the post-World War II era. The collection highlights popular, religious and classical music, with various genres.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Movable Feast of the Arts program at Indiana University. Created through a gift from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the program was initiated by Indiana University's Office of the President in 2004 with administrative and financial oversight provided by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.

The exhibit has been on display in Bloomington and the IPS Crispus Attucks Museum in Indianapolis. Later this year it will be displayed at the Evansville African American Museum and the San Diego, Calif., County Fair.

Established at Purdue in 1969, the Black Cultural Center is nationally recognized and acknowledged by the Association of Black Cultural Centers as one of the best centers of its kind. The center helps the community gain a greater understanding of African-American heritage and supports and enhances cultural diversity on campus and the community.

Writer: Clyde Hughes, (765) 494-2073, jchughes@purdue.edu

Source: Renee A. Thomas, (765) 494-3091, rathomas@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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