Reynolda House to host “Angelou and Bearden: 40 Years Later” screening

Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Wake Forest University and Delta Arts Center are hosting a special screening of the 1982 recording of the conversation between celebrated artist, author and songwriter Romare Bearden and acclaimed poet and author, Maya Angelou about what it means to be a Black artist. Bearden and Angelou were interviewed on Reynolda’s sun porch by the author Emily Herring Wilson. Forty years after their meeting, the screening will be accompanied by a panel discussion about the enduring impact of Black artists. The event is free to the public, and will be held at Reynolda House Museum of American Art on August 16, 2022, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Angelou and Bearden: Forty Years Later will be moderated by Bari Helms, director of archives and library for Reynolda House. Panelists include Megan Mulder, Z. Smith Reynolds Library special collections librarian; Peggy Moore, past president of the Delta Arts Center; and Dr. Julia S. Jordan-Zachery, Wake Forest University Chair of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Following the success of Still I Rise: The Black Experience at Reynolda (on view through December 31, 2022), Angelou and Bearden: Forty Years Later reinforces Reynolda’s commitment to highlighting the significant and important contributions of Black individuals to all aspects of our society. 

“The conversation between Maya Angelou and Romare Bearden was a monumental moment in the history of Reynolda,” said Allison Perkins, executive director of Reynolda House and Reynolda Gardens. “Their meeting was groundbreaking and helped further the emphasis and understanding of the Black artist’s experience in America. Forty years on, Reynolda remains focused on providing a forum for thoughtful, intelligent and inspiring content that champions people of color.”

Advanced registration is encouraged for this free event. Angelou and Bearden: Forty Years Later has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

August 2, 2022
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