The Byron & Christine Johnson Lecture/Discussion Series

Theme: Linkage & Legacy

I Have a Dream Monument: Frederick Douglass                    

Saturday, January 24, 2004, 10:00 A.M. ‚ 12:00 P.M.

In City Parkís ìI Have a Dream Monument,î Ed Dwightís artistic tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the great orator Frederick Douglass is depicted as one of the figures upon whose shoulders Dr. King stands. Dr. C. J. White, retired Professor Emeritus at Metropolitan State College, will provide the historical context for a discussion of Douglass, and actor Donnie Betts will bring Douglassís works to life in our continuing tribute to Dwightís acclaimed sculpture.

Black Indians (Part II)

Saturday, February 28, 2004, 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

William Loren Katz, New York author and educator, will conclude his Denver visit with his widely acknowledged slide presentation on Black Indians. Based on his book, Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage, the slide presentation reveals rare prints and photographs that document a little-known aspect of American history.

Yuri Kochiyama: Passion for Justice

Saturday, March 27, 2004, 10:00 A.M. ‚ 12:00 P.M.

Her familyís World War II internment in a concentration camp and the alliance she forged with Black Nationalist leader Malcolm X mark two pivotal events in the life of Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese-American woman who has spent her life speaking out against oppression on multiple fronts. A showing of the videotape ìYuri Kochiyama: Passion for Justice,î will be facilitated by Marge Taniwaki, also a concentration camp survivor, as well as longtime Denver activist.

Family Across the Sea

Saturday, April 24, 2004, 10:00 A.M. ‚ 12:00 P.M.

Gullah or Geechee refers to the distinct African American culture forged by residents in the sea islands of South Carolina and Georgia, a culture that continues to maintain a linkage to its African heritage. Dr. C. J. White returns to facilitate a showing of the videotape ìFamily Across the Sea,î which documents the historical and linguistic connection between the Gullah and the peoples of the West African country of Sierra Leoneóa connection interrupted but unbroken.

Legacy of a Monarch: The Life Story of Byron ìMexî Johnson

Saturday, May 8, 2004, 10:00 A.M. ‚ 1:00 P.M.

A fundraiser, this closing session will celebrate the forthcoming publication on the life of Denver nonagenarian Byron Johnson by author/publisher Jan Sumner. Sumner will read excerpts from his book, which highlights Johnsonís tenure in the Negro Baseball Leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs and Satchel Paigeís traveling team. Tickets are $25.00 and may be purchased at the door. Event will be catered. For further info, call 303-556-3119 or email johnsonlegacy @msn.com