A free screening (zoom webinar) of the critically acclaimed documentary film,
RIVER CITY DRUMBEAT, followed by Q&A with director Marlon Johnson.


Wednesday, January 19, 2021 via Zoom Webinar (EDT, US and Canada):
     7:00pm - Introduction with Stearns Collection director Joseph Gascho and Marlon Johnson
     7:10pm - Screening begins
     8:45pm - Live Q&A with film director Marlon Johnson

RIVER CITY DRUMBEAT is a powerful story of music, love, and legacies set in the American South. Edward "Nardie" White devoted his life to leading the African-American drum corps he co-founded with Zambia Nkrumah in Louisville, Kentucky three decades ago. Together they inspired youth from their West Louisville neighborhood to thrive by connecting them with the art and cultural traditions of their African ancestors. Now Albert Shumake, whose destiny was shaped by the drumline, must take up the mantle for the next generation. Meanwhile, student drummers Imani, Jailen, and Emily navigate adolescence and life changes. RIVER CITY DRUMBEAT follows this creative community of mentors, parents, and youth making their way in a world where systemic forces raise obstacles to fulfilling their dreams.
Register at https://myumi.ch/4pj47

This is the inaugural event for the Stearns Collection Winter 2021 Virginia Martin Howard Lecture Series.  The film screening will be held through Zoom Webinar Video Conferencing. All Zoom webinar registrants will receive a video streaming link for independent viewing of the film from January 18 through January 30, 2021.  We recommended viewing the filming during the webinar, but one may view the film before or after the webinar and still join in the Q&A at 8:45pm on Jan. 19. The streaming link is for the personal use of the webinar attendees and may not be shared with others. This film is protected by copyright law.
Inquiries may be directed to stearnsoutreach@umich.edu