Performance and the Politics of Style

Women of the World (WOW) Festival

Thursday, May 4 at 6:30 pm 

Women have made an indelible imprint on popular culture, style, and the entertainment industry. From early 20^th century Blues and jazz singers like Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday to more contemporary pop, Hip Hop, and Indigenous music artists, their presence in the performance arena has not only influenced cross cultural style but has also served as a narrative on social consciousness and the politics of race and gender. In a discussion led by scholar and author Salamishah Tillet, Performance and the Politics of Style will explore some iconic and, perhaps, lesser known artists who have taken performance to a new level, asserting their own narratives of artistic and political freedom in ways at times appealing and controversial.

Panelists:
Daphne Brooks, Author of Bodies in Dissent: Spectacular Performances of Race and Freedom, 1850-1910 and Jeff Buckley’s Grace; professor of African American Studies, Theater Studies, and American Studies at Yale University
Tanisha C. Ford, Author of Liberated Threads: Black Women, Style, and the Global Politics of Soul; Assistant professor of Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Nichelle Gainer, Author, Vintage Black Glamour
Janel Martinez, Journalist; Founder of AintILatina.com

FREE – REGISTRATION REQUIRED*

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Hero Image Photo Credit: Ruby Tull