What is the Culture Series?
Join expert guest curators from every corner of the city as they create one-of-a-kind events exploring DC stories, traditions and cultures with the goal of sparking conversations. The Culture Series is a free roaming monthly gathering that takes place at social hubs around the city and investigates topics like little-known bicycle racing in alleyways, LGBTQIA+ oral histories, and the tales of the African American Washingtonians who helped build the Smithsonian’s more remarkable exhibits. Come experience the public humanities in person as we delve into our city’s past, question our present and imagine the future.
SPRING CULTURE SERIES LINEUP
APRIL – Transcending Boundaries: Trans Histories and Liberation
Explore frontline perspectives on the escalating anti-trans legislation in the US in this compelling panel event. Hear firsthand accounts from resilient trans individuals, including impassioned activists, dedicated community organizers, and those working against legal challenges to trans rights. Gain insight into the lived experiences of these panelists as they shed light on the broader implications of discriminatory laws targeting the trans community.
may – Narratives of Black Resilience
Join HumanitiesDC and guest curator Jermaine Jones to explore how Black literature produced from the 2oth century up to today offers quasi essential history of a resilient cultural movement, investigates the power of Black pliability under Jim Crow and systemic racism, and celebrates the rebellious power of Black imagination.
april – decoding dc language
Join HumanitiesDC and Dr. Minnie Quartey Annan for an engaging interactive discussion on African American Language and its speakers in the DMV area with special appearances from local spoken word artists! Throughout the evening, we’ll explore some interesting questions: What is African American Language? Is it slang?Why do some people say ‘urrea’ while others say ‘area?’Do you know what these words mean: joint, bama, jih, lunching, stamp, cised? Chocolate City is becoming less chocolate. Does it matter?
june – tba
Stay tuned for more information.
To learn more and register for these events visit our Events Calendar.
BECOME A GUEST CURATOR
Do you have an idea of how to bring untold DC stories to life? Have you conducted research on a humanities topic or been working on a project that you would love the opportunity to present to the public? The Culture Series is looking for guest curators to help us co-create our next gatherings. We are looking for topics with strong connections to a humanities discipline, that are thoughtful, engaging and incorporate unique forms of presentation. Chosen curators receive compensation for their participation. For more information, reach out to our Public Programs team at programs@humanitiesdc.org or complete the submission form below.
Proposal Submission Form:
Bring some humanity to your inbox:
Subscribe to our Newsletter.