Divas: She will overcome

LET’S TALK: DIVAS
Reception at 6:00pm
Program at 7:00pm

Josephine Baker, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Diana Ross, RuPaul, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Big Freedia, Janelle Monáe. These are just some of the bold, beautiful, and brave performers who have used their incomparable talent to raise awareness about issues of civil rights, social justice, and equity. Some of their fights were public, others behind closed doors, but these trailblazers have transformed the industry and their audiences. Join us as we delve into the lives of our sister soldiers in entertainment and celebrate their legacies with tribute performances from our own local divas including Jamecia Bennett as Aretha Franklin, Thomasina Petrus as Billie Holiday, and Regina Marie Williams as Nina Simone, with music by Sanford Moore.

Penumbra’s Let’s Talk Series creates space for compassionate and challenging conversations around issues of social justice, equity, and the arts. Hosted by Sarah Bellamy, the event begins at 6:00pm with refreshments and light bites, followed by a 90-minute presentation and discussion.

Let’s Talk Series sponsored by 3M and MPR News.