The Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities will host a film screening and discussion on Paul Laurence Dunbar: Beyond the Mask Thursday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Tinkham Veale University Center ballroom A.
This documentary looks at the life and legacy of Paul Laurence Dunbar, who was among the first African-Americans to to achieve national fame as a writer. Born to former slaves in Dayton, Ohio, Dunbar (1872-1906), is best remembered for his poem, “We Wear The Mask” and for lines from “Sympathy” that became the title of Maya Angelou’s autobiography I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.
Dunbar’s story also addresses African-American experience around the turn of the century. Frederick Lewis, the program’s writer and director, will be on hand to introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion. Lewis is an associate professor in the School of Media Arts & Studies at Ohio University.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is available online.