This magical evening will begin promptly at 5:30 PM when guests will receive their passage, meet their fellow passengers and board the ship. From 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., it will be “Anchors Aweigh,” as guests participate in a moonlight cruise along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan while enjoying a “seafaring” grand buffet supper, libations, entertainment and dancing, as they experience some of the most spectacular views of Chicago imaginable. At 9:00 P.M. the ship will return to its Navy Pier berth, “drop anchor” and guests will then partake in a “dockside” Dessert Buffet until 10:00 P.M.

A very special group of “ship shape” Chicagoans have graciously agreed to serve on the “Rock The Boat!” Event Committee. Those Committee Members include: Almarie Burton-Ellis, Angela Henderson, Audrey Peeples, Chandra Fitzpatrick, Cindy King, Deborah Crable, Deborah O. Brown, Delores Gillium Brown, Deborah Washington, Dori J. Collins, Dori Wilson, Fran Bell, Gail Dugas, Ingrid Bridges, Janis Robinson, Joslyn DiPasalegne, Joyce Bristow, Liza Cruzat Brooks, Lula Ford, Michele Sutton Yeadon, Nia Augustine, Patricia Keenan, Randilyn Gilliam, Rosalyn C. Chapman, Sandra Reid, Sharon Elders-Jackson, Sheri Williams, Taffy Brokemond, Tanya Woods, Toi Salter, Tracey Bey, Tracey Scruggs Yearwood, Twyler L. Jenkins and Yvette T. Powe

Tickets for “Rock The Boat!” are $150 per person and the attire is, Nautical Chic. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773-947-0600 ext. 227. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum’s Exhibitions and Educational Programs.

The DuSable Museum of African American History, founded in 1961 is the nation’s oldest non-profit institution devoted to the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of African and African American history and culture. The Museum emphasizes the experiences and contributions of Americans of African descent to world history and to American history, life and culture.

Traditionally, the DSM has offered in-house children’s programming, serving over 50,000 students to date. To reach even more of our target audience, we are expanding to include in-school programs through a new educational program, “Making History Come Alive,” which will use art to educate students about history.

We are currently soliciting seasoned artists and performers to enhance this program. Through programs in the visual, literary, and performing arts; engagement with artists; and the creative integration of educational technology, “Making History Come Alive” will be reflective of the mission of the DSM which is to promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans through programs that illustrate African and African American history, culture, and art.

The format for programs will include artists-in residence; single workshops for students, teachers and parents, along with training institutes for teachers of social studies and humanities. All programming must be geared for grades 4-12. In addition, we are looking for matinee performance groups and assembly-formatted programs. Our broad vision will include programming at parks and recreation centers, facilities for seniors or social service agencies, libraries, and various community sites. Other outreach activities are exhibition-related and presented for those who may have difficulty or are unfamiliar with visiting museums.

We are aware that artists work for other organizations; therefore, we are asking that you submit materials created and performed exclusively for DuSable Museum of African American History.

Applications are now being accepted. We are very excited about this new initiative and are seeking artists of all disciplines to work with the program, while becoming a part of the DSM family.

Requirements
Please be reminded that DSM requires that all performing groups must provide rehearsed understudies for absent members of each ensemble. All artists are required to be present at least one-hour before each performance or workshop. Artists will be compensated.

All artists who are selected MUST BE present at the Artist Orientation Day scheduled for Thursday, August 26, 2010 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. All applications must be received no later than August 6, 2010 – any applications received after this date will not be considered.

Application Review
Artists will be selected by a panel of museum staff members. The selection of artists is based on artistic quality and the ability to work productively within the program.

To Apply
Please fill out the enclosed/attached application and return no later than Friday, August 6, 2010. Once again, any application received after this date will not be considered.

Application

Admission to the DuSable Museum Children’s Penny Cinema series is only ONE PENNY per child and adults MUST BE accompanied by a child to attend. The films, which are appropriate for the entire family, are shown Wednesday’s and Thursday’s at 10:30 AM during July and August.

This year the following films are scheduled to be shown:

Wednesday, July 7 “The Songhai Princess” (25 minutes) “The Golden Goose” (30 minutes)

Thursday, July 8 “The Ernest Green Story” (110 minutes)

Wednesday, July 14 “Perfect Harmony” (93 minutes)

Thursday, July 15 “Afro-Classic Folk Tales (22 minutes ) “Joshua’s Masai Mask” (50 minutes)

Wednesday, July 21 “Koi and The Kola Nuts” (30 minutes) “Dear America: A Picture of Freedom” (30 Minutes)

Thursday, July 22 “Follow the Drinking Gourd” (30 minutes) “Whitewash” (25 minutes)

Wednesday, July 28 “Happy To Be Nappy” (30 minutes) “I Lost My Tooth in Africa” (30 minutes)

Thursday, July 29 “The Tuskegee Airmen” (106 minutes)

Wednesday, August 4 “Veggie Tales: Big River Rescue” (30 minutes)

Thursday, August 5 “Happily Ever After: The Pied Piper” (30 minutes) “Happily Ever After: The Frog Prince” (30 minutes)

Wednesday, August 11 “Night John” (96 minutes)

Thursday, August 12 “Free At Last: Civil Rights Heroes” (95 Minutes)

“The DuSable Museum’s Penny Cinema is entertaining and really helps to get children excited about learning more about their heritage,” said Sandra Furey Gaither, Director of Education. “It’s really marvelous to see kids faces light up when the films begin and they especially love being able to go home and discuss what they have seen with their friends and family.”

This series is open to the general public and admission to each of the films in the DuSable Museum Penny Cinema Series is only one (1) cent for children and adults for each day of the Series. ADULTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CHILD TO ATTEND and
normal admission rates apply for visits to the Museum. For reservations you may call (773) 947-0600 ext. 225.

The DuSable Museum Children’s Penny Cinema Series is made possible in part by the Chicago Park District, the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency and United Airlines, the “Official Airline” of the DuSable Museum of African American History.

Sunday, June 6, 2010
4:00 PM
“An Evening of Pearls: Celebrating Dance Icon Dr. Pearl Primus”
Free Admission
The evening will include performances by the Muntu Dance Theatre and other guest artists, along with an Open Dialogue on the life and works of Dr. Pearl Primus. The discussion will be moderated by Amina Dickerson and panelists will include: Amaniyea Payne, Artistic Director, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago; Kim Bears-Bailey, Assistant Artistic Director, Philadance Dance Company; Monica Hairston, Executive Director, Center for Black Music Research and Billy Stevenson, Spoken Word Artist & Student, Vanderbilt University.

Thursday, June 10, 2010
7:00 PM
Lecture and Panel Discussion: “All Power to the People-What We Want, What We Believe”
General Admission $10/$5 DuSable Museum Members
Since their creation in 1966, the Black Panther Party has simultaneously been viewed with pride and fear. This discussion will explore who they were, what they did and their impact on the Civil Rights Movement. Robert Starks will serve as the Moderator and panelists will include: Ron Carter, Black Wall Street; Willie Calvin, Defense Captain, BBP; Billy Che Brooks, BBP and Tracy Matthews, PhD, The University of Chicago.

Saturday, June 12, 2010
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
“You Can Kill the Revolutionary, but You Can’t Kill the Revolution”
General Admission $10/$5 DuSable Museum Members
Join with The DuSable as we celebrate the history and legacy of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense.

11:00 AM – Screening of the film, “The Black Panther Suite: All Power To the People”
12:30 PM – Screening of the film, “The Murder of Fred Hampton”

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Panel Discussion
“The Illinois Black Panther Party Before and After the Assassination of Fred Hampton”
A panel comprised of Black Panthers and supporters from the Chicago contingent will discuss what drew them to the party, the Illinois chapter’s impact and the U.S. government’s war on its citizens. Panelists will include: Flint Taylor, Defense Attorney for the Peoples Law Offices; Attorney Jeffrey Haas, author of “The Assassination of Fred Hampton;” William Hampton, brother of Fred Hampton and Billy Che Brooks, BPP Minister of Education. The panel will be moderated by Richard Steele of WBEZ Radio.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

12:30 PM – 4:40 PM
“Black Panthers: Making Sense of History” – Film Marathon
Free Admission

Scheduled films include:
“Eyes of the Rainbow”
“3 Black Panthers and the Last Plantation”
“The Angola 3”
“All Power to the People”
“The Black Panther Party and Beyond”
“Origins of the Original Rainbow Coalition”

In addition, Museum visitors are encouraged to visit The Museum Store to purchase an official Black Panther or DuSable Museum souvenir.

For more information on any of these programs you may call 773-947-0600. These programs are sponsored by: the Chicago Park District, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs City Arts III Program, the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency and United Airlines, the official airline of the DuSable Museum.

Participants will be able to ride in the footsteps of Chicago’s favorite son, Barack Obama, and learn all about our 44th President’s amazing journey to The White House. You’ll bike through the historic and picturesque neighborhoods of Hyde Park and Kenwood for a glimpse of the President’s home. Visit the site where Barack and Michelle first kissed, and learn about the President’s life in Chicago. Featured sites include: the DuSable Museum of African American History, the Obama residence, the Osaka Japanese Garden, The Robie House by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Museum of Science and Industry, Muhammad Ali’s former home, Rockefeller Chapel and the University of Chicago. This easy-riding 2.5 hour bike tour is fun, educational, and inspiring.

Tours depart daily from in front of the DuSable Museum at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM and are priced at :$39.00 for adults, $35.00 for students and $25.00 for children under the age of 12. Children under the age of 5 ride free with an accompanying adult. In addition, DuSable Museum Members receive $10 off when they present their membership card. Group rates are available by calling, 773-251-9757 or visiting www. groups@bikechicago.com. As an added feature, bike patrons will be encouraged to shop for exclusive President Obama merchandise in the Trading Post gift shop.

Blue Star Museums is made possible through a partnership among Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts and more than 600 museums. The DuSable Museum’s participation is made possible by the Chicago Park District; the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs CityArtsIII, and United Airlines, the official airline of the DuSable Museum.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Discussion: “Exiles and Expatriates” featuring Charlotte O’Neal, member of the Kansas City Chapter of the Black Panther Party and wife of Panther expatriate, Pete O’Neal.
General Admission $5
No other organized group in the history of the United States has ever been targeted for termination like the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. Not the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Not the Ku Klux Klan. Not the Neo Nazis.
Operations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s COINTELPRO targeted the Panther organization and individual members with merciless zeal. The effect of this sustained effort brought about the premature demise of this iconic organization and sent many Panther members to jail, underground or out of the country.
This discussion will begin with a screening of the film “A Panther in Africa.”

Thursday, May 13, 2010
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Lecture and Panel Discussion: “Women in the Party”
General Admission $10/$5 DuSable Museum Members
The Black Panther Party was responsible for instituting many social programs, such as: free breakfast for children; free community medical services; free clothing; free escorts for senior citizens and free food programs which ultimately would become a part of national public policy. Often overlooked in the history of the Black Panther Party is the invaluable role of women in the Party. Had it not been for the presence of Black women, there would not have been a viable Black Panther Party. Join The DuSable as we discuss female leadership and the role of women in the Panthers.

6:00 PM – “Life as a Panther,” a lecture and power point presentation by Erica Huggins, who was a Black Panther based in California and who served as the Director of the Oakland Community School. Ms. Huggins was the first woman and African American appointed to the Alameda County School Board.
7:00 PM – Panel Discussion, moderated by Tracy Matthews, Ph.D., Associate Director, The Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture at the University of Chicago.
Panel participants will include: Charlotte O’Neal, wife of Panther expatriate Pete O’Neal; Erica Huggins; Joan Gray, former Black Panther Field Secretary and Yvonne King, Ph.D., Black Panther Party, Illinois Field Secretary.

Saturday, May 15, 2010
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Family Open House
FREE with Museum Admission
Join with The DuSable as we celebrate the history and legacy of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense.

From 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM, guests may begin their day at the “Free Breakfast Café,” for a complimentary authentic Black Panther breakfast and discuss how this program was conceived and instituted with Wanda Ross who served as the chief developer of the Breakfast for Children Program. You’ll also learn how this program brought together underprivileged children and their parents and how it was the precursor to what we now know as the free breakfast program in public schools. Visitors may then view the film, “The Children’s March,” to see how young people were able to make a difference in the Civil Rights Movement, or, they may stop by the children’s art area, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, where professional artists will instruct them in how to make art and not war.

From 12:00 NOON to 1:00 PM, The Chocolate Chip Theatre Company will present an original play entitled, “We Are Rising,” and following the performance guests are invited to tour the exhibition, “The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History.” Also, don’t forget to visit The Museum Store to purchase an official Black Panther or DuSable Museum souvenir.

Astute in the styles of both jazz and blues, Lena Horne was boundless in her musical range and most celebrated for her soulful rendition of “Stormy Weather”. Portrayed as ageless, an artistic dream and a masterful performer, Lena Horne’s contributions to the world of entertainment are matched only by her commitment to leveling the playing field and creating parity for all persons. Throughout her career, she unapologetically utilized her stardom to illuminate countless social and political injustices and developed a friendship with Paul Robeson, which resulted in her being blacklisted during the McCarthy era.

Lena Horne was a true performer, pioneer, and personification of elegance.

Kelan Phil Cohran is a “sphereologist.” He coined the term to describe his lifework as a shaman, chemist, composer, activist, cosmologist, wholistic health advocate, instrument inventor and musicologist. .Cohran developed an interest in music at an early age and during his education at Lincoln University, he was introduced to the musical concepts of a local group called The Blue Devils. The Blue Devils were some of the earliest contributors to Jazz who fused blues, African and classical to create a synergy called “swing,” and notable Blue Devils have included Count Basie and Miles Davis.

Cohran began his professional career as the leader of two important bands; Chuck Taylor’s Orchestra and The Raja’s of Swing. In 1953 Cohran moved to Chicago and began to perform with the Morris Ellis Orchestra and other various bands throughout the city. While in Chicago, John Gillmore a band mate of Sun Ra, introduced Kelan Phil Cohran to the Amen Ra of the galaxy and Cohran played the trumpet and zither with Sun Ra from 1958 to 1961 and composed “Dorothy’s Dance” which was featured on the Sun Ra album Holiday for the Soul Dancer.

Kelan Phil Cohran is one of the founders of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and in 1966, he was commissioned by Oscar Brown Jr., to create twenty-two musical works set to the poems of Paul Lawrence Dunbar. Entitled, “Lyrics of Sunshine & Shadows,” the works were performed in more than 50 schools throughout Chicago and featured in an exhibit at the Children’s Expo held at the Museum of Science and Industry. Mr. Cohran also empowered African Americans by establishing, The Affro-Arts Theatre. Thanks in part to an endowment by Sammy Davis Jr., in addition to a community wide effort, an old movie house was refurbished which became an oasis for patrons and performers such as: Eartha Kitt, Muhammad Ali, Lerone Bennett, Jr., and Gwendolyn Brooks. The curriculum at the theatre was designed around language lessons in Hebrew, Swahili and Arabic; cultural classes and endeavored to address social issues which plagued the African American community.

More than sixty years after his career began, Kelan Phil Cohran continues to teach his original approach to music, all the while still captivating audiences around the globe. He mentored The Pharaohs(some of whom went on to become known as Earth, Wind & Fire), Kahil El Zabar, Patricia Ann Smith, BoBo Brown and Khari Lemuel, in addition to one very notable vocalist who benefited from his musical teaching and training, Chaka Khan. He has written the score for “African Skies” and produced several lectures and shows for the Adler Planetarium including: Benjamin Bannaker, Slavery and Astronomy and Metamorphosis: A History of Jazz. In 1994 Cohran was invited by the Chinese Minister of Culture to lecture and perform at the Conservatory of Traditional Music in Beijing and Xian and it was during that visit that the Chinese anointed Phil Cohran with the name ‘Kelan,’ which means Holy Scripture in Mandarin.

Joining in the Celebration! of Kelan Phil Cohran will be the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, eight brothers from the southside of Chicago who come from an extraordinary musical family(they all happen to be the sons of Kelan Phil Cohran) and have performed with such superstars as Mos Def and Erykah Badu. The group has come to be known as one of the hottest and most individual bands around. Also performing will be Aquilla Sadalla, who’s inspiring display of vocal ability is the result of many years of spiritual development and multi-disciplined study. She has appeared in such diverse venues as the Empty Bottle in Chicago, the Enjoy Jazz Festival in Aarhus, Denmark and Joe’s Public Theatre in New York City.

General admission to the Celebration! of Kelan Phil Cohran is $25 per person and $83 per person for VIP admission which includes assigned seating and a special gift. Tickets are available at the DuSable Museum of African American History and the event is being sponsored by WVON-AM Radio and United Airlines, the official airline of the DuSable Museum.