Tune in for a conversation about Weeksville in reflecting its history and present influence!
What role do institutions serve in our communities, and what roles should they serve? How do we expand and reimagine the boundaries of museums and other cultural spaces? Erica will discuss the history of Weeksville and how it has challenged her and made her think differently about the role and responsibility of institutions (especially in the wake of the murder of George Floyd).
Black Historic Sites in Conversation is a series of virtual talks in collaboration with different Black heritage sites & cultural centers in the greater NYC area, about the ongoing work of preserving, interpreting, and celebrating Black history and historical figures.
This program is supported by the Mellon Foundation.
About the Speaker:
Erica Harper is currently the Vice President of Learning and Engagement at Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn, NY. In her role, she is responsible for the vision, strategy, and implementation for both the education and programming departments. This role is an honor and an accumulation of her 15+ years in the field. Previously Erica served as Head of PK12 Initiatives at The Phillips Collection, a museum of modern and contemporary art in Washington, DC where she provided vision and strategy for the museum’s school partnerships. Also central to her work was ensuring that these programs were culturally responsive and supported diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. She managed Phillips’ team of educators who provide engaging experiences across museum audiences – including students, families, and older adults. Her passion for education was deepened during her decade-long tenure at a local DC non-profit called “Live It Learn It,” which focused on experiential learning. There she developed an intimate understanding of the DC educational landscape, particularly its schools, museums, and monuments. She also cultivated partnerships and relationships with professionals locally, regionally, and nationally. Erica received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Duke University in 2005 and was raised in Memphis, Tennessee. Her favorite author is Toni Morrison and she is an August-born Virgo sun.
About the Historic Site:
Weeksville Heritage Center is an historic site and cultural center in Central Brooklyn that uses education, arts and a social justice lens to preserve, document and inspire engagement with the history of Weeksville, one of the largest free Black communities in pre-Civil War America, and the Historic Hunterfly Road Houses.
Learn more about Weeksville Heritage Center here: https://weeksvillesociety.org/
Audience:
Adults