This event will feature presentations by James Curry that draw upon his interests, process and projects created that focus on aspects of African American ancestral narratives, historical memory and how forgetting and misremembering (willful or not) can poison, justify and perpetuate bias, prejudice and white supremacy in Minnesota. Following the presentations, James will have a brief conversation with moderator and then open it up to questions and comments from the audience.
About the Presenter
James Curry is a producer, director, writer, editor, educator and author who has been active in film making for over 30 years. His short film westbound and documentary masterjam have won dozens of awards internationally in multiple categories. In 2021 he was awarded the Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship for Film and in 2022 the Arthur C McWatt Fellowship where he was able to pursue social justice through the creation of an historical exhibit on Black Pioneers and the June release of a graphic novel based on his ancestor’s narrative called Hate Stings. He is a descendant of the Curry family of Southside Minneapolis and the Chairperson of BR4R.org He teaches film and production at Augsburg University and continues to build community through partnerships with historical societies, individuals and faith-based organizations. He’s presently involved in the development of a Black Heritage Trail in Hastings, a People Power exhibit at the MN African American Heritage Museum and Gallery in September and a volume series on sung and unsung Black Minnesotan luminaries with MNHS slated for a 2026 semiquincentennial release.
