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Remembering the Black Arts Movement Symposium: The Poetry & Music of Gil Scott-Heron–A Conversation

Presented by the Hurston/Wright Foundation & Liberated Muse Arts Group

Dive into the soulful world of Gil Scott-Heron's poetry and music during an evening of captivating dialogue. Explore the profound impact of Scott-Heron's artistic legacy and experience the powerful intersection of poetry and music. Join the conversation as we honor the enduring influence of this iconic artist.

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Gil Scott-Heron was a multifaceted American jazz poet, singer, musician, and author whose impact resonated throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Collaborating with musician Brian Jackson, their fusion of jazz, blues, and soul with socially and politically charged lyrics, delivered through rap and melismatic vocal styles, marked him as a true "bluesologist." His iconic piece, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," set over a jazz-soul beat, became a seminal influence on the evolution of hip-hop music.

Scott-Heron's musical prowess, notably showcased in albums like "Pieces of a Man" and "Winter in America," laid the groundwork for later African-American music genres, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of hip-hop and neo-soul. Recognized for his recording work, particularly the impactful "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," he was hailed by AllMusic's John Bush as a vital progenitor of rap music. His influence extended beyond his prime years, remaining active until his passing in 2011. Posthumously, he was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and in 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, receiving the Early Influence Award, solidifying his enduring impact on the musical landscape.

Remembering the Black Arts Movement is a multi-day symposium that presents panels, readings, and discussions centered on the writers, work, and impact of the Black Arts Movement. This movement, named for a group of motivated Black poets, artists, dramatists, musicians, and writers, emerged in the wake of significant civil rights activism and legislation. The event will shine a spotlight on the work and impact of notable writers from the movement, including Nikki Giovanni, Amiri Baraka, Ntozake Shange, Gil Scott-Heron, Sonia Sanchez, and Audre Lorde. Each day is designed to provide community members with the opportunity to meet each other, learn about the profound influence of the Black Arts Movement, and connect with local artists, scholars, and historians based in the DMV