"Toni Morrison: Pieces I Am" Film w/ RiverTown Film
Wednesday, December 11, 2019, 8 PM at the Nyack Center
Rivertown Film cordially invites you to join us in remembering Toni Morrison (1931-2019), pre-eminent novelist, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a longtime local resident. Made before she died, the film includes extensive interviews with her. As Toni Morrison did in her writing, the film leads viewers through an exploration of race, America, history, and what it means to be human.
After the film, Bill Batson will moderate a discussion with Dr. Craig Stutman, Joshua Leach, and Dr. Tracyann Williams, Chair and members (respectively) of the Toni Morrison Societys Bench by the Road Project.
Community Partners include the Nyack Library, Nyack NAACP, Nyack Center, and Nyack Sketch Log. Members of the NAACP will receive the Rivertown Film member discount on tickets.
"A valuable and fascinating and insightful and soaring and inspirational record of the life and times and work of an American treasure. " - Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
Wednesday, December 11, 2019, 8 PM at the Nyack Center
Rivertown Film cordially invites you to join us in remembering Toni Morrison (1931-2019), pre-eminent novelist, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a longtime local resident. Made before she died, the film includes extensive interviews with her. As Toni Morrison did in her writing, the film leads viewers through an exploration of race, America, history, and what it means to be human.
After the film, Bill Batson will moderate a discussion with Dr. Craig Stutman, Joshua Leach, and Dr. Tracyann Williams, Chair and members (respectively) of the Toni Morrison Societys Bench by the Road Project.
Community Partners include the Nyack Library, Nyack NAACP, Nyack Center, and Nyack Sketch Log. Members of the NAACP will receive the Rivertown Film member discount on tickets.
"A valuable and fascinating and insightful and soaring and inspirational record of the life and times and work of an American treasure. " - Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
African American Memorabilia as Cultural Symbols
Thursday, January 30, 2020, 7 PM
In the late 1800s and well into the 1900s, racist images were common on everyday items such as toys, salt-and-pepper shakers, advertisements, and household figurines. Join Dr. Lori L. Martin, Professor of African & African American Studies at Louisiana State University and Dr. Tracyann Williams, Director of Academic Affairs in the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students at The New School for a panel discussion on the role of these symbols in American History.
Moderated by Bill Batson, Nyack Sketch Log
Thursday, January 30, 2020, 7 PM
In the late 1800s and well into the 1900s, racist images were common on everyday items such as toys, salt-and-pepper shakers, advertisements, and household figurines. Join Dr. Lori L. Martin, Professor of African & African American Studies at Louisiana State University and Dr. Tracyann Williams, Director of Academic Affairs in the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students at The New School for a panel discussion on the role of these symbols in American History.
Moderated by Bill Batson, Nyack Sketch Log
Rivertown Film "Amazing Grace" Aretha Franklin Film
Thursday, February 12, 2020, 8 PM
A 1972 concert at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts, where Aretha Franklin recorded what many consider the best album of her career. Featuring Franklin at her mightiest and backed by an inspired and inspiring choir, Amazing Grace is her best-selling album and the best-selling live Gospel album of all time. Reviewing the record, Rolling Stone said, “The liberation and abandon she has always implied in her greatest moments are now fully and consistently achieved." The film is as astounding as the music. For more information visit: https://rivertownfilm.org/?post_type=films&p=10887
A limited amount of complementary tickets are available. Please contact info@nyacklibrary.org or ext. 214 for more information.
Thursday, February 12, 2020, 8 PM
A 1972 concert at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts, where Aretha Franklin recorded what many consider the best album of her career. Featuring Franklin at her mightiest and backed by an inspired and inspiring choir, Amazing Grace is her best-selling album and the best-selling live Gospel album of all time. Reviewing the record, Rolling Stone said, “The liberation and abandon she has always implied in her greatest moments are now fully and consistently achieved." The film is as astounding as the music. For more information visit: https://rivertownfilm.org/?post_type=films&p=10887
A limited amount of complementary tickets are available. Please contact info@nyacklibrary.org or ext. 214 for more information.
Memories of Toni Morrison
Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 4 PM
The Nyack Library and the Historical Society of the Nyacks will celebrate Nyack Library district resident and Nobel Laureate, Toni Morrison, by collecting oral histories from local residents.
To share your story, you must register for a 20 minute slot by calling 845.358.3370 x214.
Toni Morrison Legacy: Affirmations Journal
Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 4:30 PM
Using recycled materials and inspired by Toni Morrison’s work, we will work on a personal affirmation journal where you can write your thoughts based on the daily affirmation.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 4 PM
The Nyack Library and the Historical Society of the Nyacks will celebrate Nyack Library district resident and Nobel Laureate, Toni Morrison, by collecting oral histories from local residents.
To share your story, you must register for a 20 minute slot by calling 845.358.3370 x214.
Toni Morrison Legacy: Affirmations Journal
Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 4:30 PM
Using recycled materials and inspired by Toni Morrison’s work, we will work on a personal affirmation journal where you can write your thoughts based on the daily affirmation.
We Love Toni Morrison Story time and Craft
Thursday, February 20, 2020, 4 PM
For children in grades K-3
We will honor this beautiful and brilliant author by reading several of her picture books for children and making a special craft to commemorate her uplifting and inspiring words. Space is limited. Please register.
Thursday, February 20, 2020, 4 PM
For children in grades K-3
We will honor this beautiful and brilliant author by reading several of her picture books for children and making a special craft to commemorate her uplifting and inspiring words. Space is limited. Please register.
Khalid Kodi - An Artist's Presentation
Saturday, February 29, 2020, 2 PM
Join art exhibitor, Khalid Kodi for a presentation and discussion of his art that is on exhibit at the Nyack Library as part of the Black American Culture and Art Series: The Toni Morrison Legacy.
Saturday, February 29, 2020, 2 PM
Join art exhibitor, Khalid Kodi for a presentation and discussion of his art that is on exhibit at the Nyack Library as part of the Black American Culture and Art Series: The Toni Morrison Legacy.
Who Was Ella Fitzgerald?
Saturday, October 3, 2020, 2 PM
rescheduled from March 14th
Mies Hora, Publisher, Editor, & Designer of "ELLA: A Biography of the Legendary Ella Fitzgerald,"will reveal how a homeless African-American orphan became an international icon – now considered the finest female vocalist in history. With anecdotes, photos, video clips, and her sensational recordings. Discounted books/CDs will be available for purchase at the event.
Saturday, October 3, 2020, 2 PM
rescheduled from March 14th
Mies Hora, Publisher, Editor, & Designer of "ELLA: A Biography of the Legendary Ella Fitzgerald,"will reveal how a homeless African-American orphan became an international icon – now considered the finest female vocalist in history. With anecdotes, photos, video clips, and her sensational recordings. Discounted books/CDs will be available for purchase at the event.
Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of People Film
To be rescheduled for the fall or virtually. Details TBA
A film that explores how African American communities have used the camera as a tool for social change from the invention of photography to the present.
To be rescheduled for the fall or virtually. Details TBA
A film that explores how African American communities have used the camera as a tool for social change from the invention of photography to the present.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
To be rescheduled for the fall
When Joanna Drayton (Katharine Houghton), a free-thinking white woman, and black doctor John Prentice (Sidney Poitier) become engaged, they travel to San Francisco to meet her parents.
To be rescheduled for the fall
When Joanna Drayton (Katharine Houghton), a free-thinking white woman, and black doctor John Prentice (Sidney Poitier) become engaged, they travel to San Francisco to meet her parents.
Two Schools in Hillburn Documentary Adult Viewing & Workshop
To be rescheduled for the fall
“Two Schools in Hillburn” (2017) is a documentary that tells the story of the brave efforts of the families of the 49 children who attended the beat up, old "colored" school in Hillburn, NY and NAACP attorney Thurgood Marshall. Facilitated discussion by director Joe Allen & Jacqueline Hesse, Newburgh Free Academy P-Tech and workshop to follow viewing of the film.
To be rescheduled for the fall
“Two Schools in Hillburn” (2017) is a documentary that tells the story of the brave efforts of the families of the 49 children who attended the beat up, old "colored" school in Hillburn, NY and NAACP attorney Thurgood Marshall. Facilitated discussion by director Joe Allen & Jacqueline Hesse, Newburgh Free Academy P-Tech and workshop to follow viewing of the film.
Book Talk and Signing with Local Author, Brenda Ross
Thursday, June 25, 2020, 6:00 PM
Brenda has honed her craft through years of writing workshops, a BA degree in creative writing from SUNY Empire State College, and finally, completing Bibsy in the novel-writing course at Sarah Lawrence College. The idea for Bibsy began decades ago with its first chapter entering onto the page at a writers’ retreat at Skidmore College, August 1980. She currently resides in Rockland County, New York, and works part time as an editorial assistant for a daily newspaper in Westchester County. Bibsy is her first work of fiction.
Thursday, June 25, 2020, 6:00 PM
Brenda has honed her craft through years of writing workshops, a BA degree in creative writing from SUNY Empire State College, and finally, completing Bibsy in the novel-writing course at Sarah Lawrence College. The idea for Bibsy began decades ago with its first chapter entering onto the page at a writers’ retreat at Skidmore College, August 1980. She currently resides in Rockland County, New York, and works part time as an editorial assistant for a daily newspaper in Westchester County. Bibsy is her first work of fiction.
Polly Family Film
Saturday, July 11, 2020 2 PM
Precocious orphan Polly (Keshia Knight Pulliam) moves to Alabama to live with her cynical aunt (Phylicia Rashad). Her new home is embedded within a segregation-era black neighborhood rife with internal conflict. Being a pragmatic and optimistic child, Polly has an uplifting effect on all those she comes into contact with, including a hardworking doctor (Dorian Harewood). Through a combination of music and hope, Polly strives to bring the community together.
Saturday, July 11, 2020 2 PM
Precocious orphan Polly (Keshia Knight Pulliam) moves to Alabama to live with her cynical aunt (Phylicia Rashad). Her new home is embedded within a segregation-era black neighborhood rife with internal conflict. Being a pragmatic and optimistic child, Polly has an uplifting effect on all those she comes into contact with, including a hardworking doctor (Dorian Harewood). Through a combination of music and hope, Polly strives to bring the community together.
Toni Morrison Readout with River River Writers' Circle
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 7 PM
On the one year anniversary of Toni Morrison’s death, the public is urged to bring one of her books or essays so that her words can be read and her legacy celebrated.
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 7 PM
On the one year anniversary of Toni Morrison’s death, the public is urged to bring one of her books or essays so that her words can be read and her legacy celebrated.
Beloved Film and Book Discussion
Wednesday, August 12, 2020 4 PM film 7 PM discussion
Beloved initially was published on August 12, 1987. On its 33rd anniversary, Dr. Lori Martin, author of Ex-Slave’s Fortune, will lead a viewing and discussion of both the film and book versions of Dr. Morrison’s work. Film starts at 4pm, discussion at 7pm.
Wednesday, August 12, 2020 4 PM film 7 PM discussion
Beloved initially was published on August 12, 1987. On its 33rd anniversary, Dr. Lori Martin, author of Ex-Slave’s Fortune, will lead a viewing and discussion of both the film and book versions of Dr. Morrison’s work. Film starts at 4pm, discussion at 7pm.
Banned Books Week
September 27 - October 3, 2020
September 27 - October 3, 2020
Shirley Crabbe "Beloved Toni"
Saturday, October 24, 2020 2 PM
An evening of songs sung by Shirley Crabbe celebrating the life and literary works of the celebrated author Toni Morrison.
Native New Yorker and 2019 New York Bistro Award winner, Shirley Crabbe has been hailed as possessing a voice that “must surely appeal to all who love good jazz singing.” Her “almost Ella Fitzgerald–like vibe glows…” says Downbeat Magazine's John Ephland on her 2011 debut recording HOME featuring the legendary saxophonist Houston Person. Her 2018 Top 50 album BRIDGES (2018) has received rave reviews and spotlights her collaborations with renowned pianists Donald Vega, and David Budway. Shirley has been a guest on syndicated radio programs such as “Jazz Inspired” hosted by Judy Carmichael, and Steve Cuden's "StoryBeat" to name a few, and currently performs at jazz clubs, festivals and concert series in the US. She is the recipient of the 2009 Rockland County Executive Performing Artist Award, 2008 Stanton Bronze Medalist at the American Traditions Vocal Competition. In 2010, she was a top 5 finalist at Jazzmobile’s “Best of the Best” Jazz Vocalist Competition held in New York City. Shirley holds music degrees from Manhattan School of Music and Northwestern University.
Saturday, October 24, 2020 2 PM
An evening of songs sung by Shirley Crabbe celebrating the life and literary works of the celebrated author Toni Morrison.
Native New Yorker and 2019 New York Bistro Award winner, Shirley Crabbe has been hailed as possessing a voice that “must surely appeal to all who love good jazz singing.” Her “almost Ella Fitzgerald–like vibe glows…” says Downbeat Magazine's John Ephland on her 2011 debut recording HOME featuring the legendary saxophonist Houston Person. Her 2018 Top 50 album BRIDGES (2018) has received rave reviews and spotlights her collaborations with renowned pianists Donald Vega, and David Budway. Shirley has been a guest on syndicated radio programs such as “Jazz Inspired” hosted by Judy Carmichael, and Steve Cuden's "StoryBeat" to name a few, and currently performs at jazz clubs, festivals and concert series in the US. She is the recipient of the 2009 Rockland County Executive Performing Artist Award, 2008 Stanton Bronze Medalist at the American Traditions Vocal Competition. In 2010, she was a top 5 finalist at Jazzmobile’s “Best of the Best” Jazz Vocalist Competition held in New York City. Shirley holds music degrees from Manhattan School of Music and Northwestern University.
National Novel Writing Month Write In In Honor of Toni Morrison
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 7 PM
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a nonprofit event that encourages kids and adults to tackle the challenge of writing a novel in November. Participants will take part in an hour long write in using prompts inspired by Toni Morrison.
Carnegie Concert "Trinity Ensemble"
Friday, December 18, 2020 7:30 PM
An evening of songs sung by the Trinity Ensemble celebrating the life and literary works of the celebrated author Toni Morrison. The group is made up of about 15 talented musicians and singers from over seven different churches in the region.
Friday, December 18, 2020 7:30 PM
An evening of songs sung by the Trinity Ensemble celebrating the life and literary works of the celebrated author Toni Morrison. The group is made up of about 15 talented musicians and singers from over seven different churches in the region.