Thursday, May 4 marks the kickoff of Before the Mayflowers Landed, a three-day showcase of Hip Hop inspired films, media, and discussions exploring themes of arrival for present day issues impacting Black People in America, produced by independent journalist and multimedia producer Ralph L. Crowder III.

The University of Minnesota & The Frances E. Thompson Digital Library for Family Research will debut select produced works from Independent Journalist Ralph L. Crowder III's traveling multimedia showcase entitled Before The Mayflowers Landed. This series of films, media, and community discussions engage unique perspectives specific to Black America’s Hip Hop generation which recently turned 50 years old. The theme and subject matter of presented materials will cover various social, cultural, political, and historical topics designed to influence critical thought about current issues impacting the human condition in areas like the Twin Cities.

Interested students & educators in the fields of study relating to African American, American, Media, Preservation/Archive/Curatorial, Arts, Theater, Sociology, Education, Human/Youth Development, Race, Politics, Public Health, are encouraged to attend. 

Identified Leaders in The Arts, Business, Education, & Diversity/Equity/Inclusion departments, with select media, will be invited to a special opening ceremony with various participating U of M staff, Showcase Organizers, and community.

Presented by The Frances E. Thompson Digital Library for Family Research in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Liberal Arts Engagement Hub and Institute for Advanced Study. Cosponsored by the Department of African American & African Studies, Department of American Studies, Department of Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature, Heritage Studies & Public History, Department of History, Hubbard School of Journalism, School of Social Work, and Department of Sociology.