August 20 | 6:30pm | 213 Water Street | Free
Join the Seaport Museum for a special evening with Black Gotham Experience (BGX) as NERDY THURSDAYS—BGX’s contemporary take on the Harlem Renaissance salon—blends themes from the Museum’s landmark exhibition The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation alongside Battle in the Margins.
This thought-provoking moderated conversation brings together guest experts to examine Black History in connection to the nation’s founding ideals and the evolution of Liberty in the country, asking a powerful question: “Who” is really being promised liberty? Drawing on stories from the Revolutionary War and remarkable documents featured in The Promise of Liberty—including a first edition of Frederick Douglass’s 1855 autobiography My Bondage and My Freedom, featuring his seminal speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, and an advance copy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic March on Washington speech—the discussion will explore the ongoing struggle to expand the promise of liberty.
After the conversation, stay to enjoy complimentary drinks, a themed soundtrack by the featured DJ, browse the BGX library, and connect with others in a welcoming space for conversation, reflection, and new ideas.
Before the program, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, attendees are invited to explore The Promise of Liberty and view these extraordinary documents alongside other foundational treasures that shaped the nation. Exhibition admission is included with your free event ticket.
Preregistration will be encouraged for this event. Walkups will be accommodated as possible. Tickets are distributed through BGX, visit their website below to sign up. This program will be photographed by the Seaport Museum for marketing purposes. By registering for the event you are consenting for you and anyone in your group to be included in these photographs.
About Black Gotham Experience
Established in 2010 by artist/historian Kamau Ware, Black Gotham Experience creates media at the intersection of scholarship and aesthetics that illustrates the impact of the African Diaspora missing from collective consciousness as well as the public square. BGX reimagines the spaces directly impacted by the African Diaspora as human stories explored through interactive walks, talks, events, and art. The heart of these experiences are five core stories that revisit Manhattan in 1623 and move forward through three centuries: Other Side of Wall Street, Sarah’s Fire, Caesar’s Rebellion, Citizen Hope, and State of Mirrors.
Acknowledgements
The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation and accompanying events are organized in cooperation with Sail4th 250 and made possible through the generous support of Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin and his civic engagement initiative Griffin Catalyst.
Additional support for this exhibition and Sail4th 250 is provided by Bulova and Jefferson’s Bourbon.
Plan Your Visit
We look forward to welcoming you! Before your visit, please review the Visitor Guide and Frequently Asked Questions. You’ll find helpful information on ticketing and discounts, planning a family visit, directions and accessibility at each of our historic sites, the visitor code of conduct, what is and isn’t permitted across the Museum campus, tips for using technology during your visit, and more.
Ready for more?
Head over to our Programs and Events page to see what else is happening at the Museum. Sign up for an upcoming talk, learn more about visiting Wavertree, or explore our virtual offerings.