A History Untold: African Americans in America Presented by Beyond U at Hannan Center
Join the Hannan Center for A History Untold: African Americans in America, an engaging course that explores the rich cultural influence of African Americans across art, music, film, innovation, education, and sports. This series of presentations moves beyond the standard textbook narrative to illuminate the resilience, creativity, and cultural power of African Americans across generations.
The May 31 session will focus on the rich history of African Americans and classical music and feature a live performance by musicians from Oakland University, playing a selection of songs.
The presentation will highlight the significant contributions made by African Americans to the genre. It is a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural fusion—often overcoming societal barriers to express their unique voices within the classical music world. It will also explore hidden histories, such as slave symphony orchestras.
Dr. Caroline Campbell leads guests on an interdisciplinary learning experience, exploring rarely discussed histories ranging from slave symphony orchestras to the evolution of Black cinema, literature and craft. Each session invites participants to explore how African American communities have shaped American life. It also reveals how culture became both a tool of survival and a force for transformation.
Through guided discussion, critical reflection, and shared conversation, participants will gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of an “untold history” that continues to shape the United States today. Topics will include the struggle for knowledge and the building of schools, churches, and community institutions; how athletics have influenced social mobility and national identity and its enduring impact.
Beyond U is a Hannan Center program that hosts creative classes and workshops to support older adults as they age. The program engages individuals in social interaction that allows for continued personal enrichment while fostering intellectual growth through a strength-based approach to learning.
Past presentations have explored several themes including:
· Narrative & Film: Cinematic and literary voices that redefine the African American experience.
· Innovation & Craft: Creative and technical contributions that shaped industries and culture.
· Education & Resilience: The ongoing pursuit of knowledge and community building.
· Sports & Identity: Athletics as a force for empowerment and national identity.
Dr. Caroline Campbell is a scholar and educator who frequently teaches with Hannan Center’s Beyond U program in Detroit, including courses on African American history and culture such as “A History Untold: African Americans in America” and a Black women’s workshop series. She is the former Director of African American Studies at the University of Michigan–Flint and a former King-Chavez-Parks Scholar.
She holds a PhD and master’s degree in Anthropology from Wayne State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Social Studies from Oakland University with a concentration in African Area Studies. Her research and teaching interests include urban education, urban neighborhoods, and the African American family, and she has also taught African American Studies courses at Wayne State University.
Beyond U is a Hannan Center program that hosts creative classes and workshops to support older adults as they age. The program engages individuals in social interaction that allows for continued personal enrichment while fostering intellectual growth through a strength-based approach to learning.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3528835-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3528835-2
