Events

Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body - Exhibition

February 17 – May 21, 2024  Barbara Earl Thomas’ most recent series of portraits weave an exquisite tapestry of light and color to depict individuals illuminated in moments of creativity. Invoking the history of portraiture, Thomas’ nine large-scale cut paper pieces celebrate great Black cultural icons such as August Wilson, Seth Parker Woods, and Charles Johnson, alongside Thomas’ friends, family, and acquaintances. Set in contexts ranging from public performance to the quiet of daydreaming, they honor the creative spark in all its manifestations. Thomas describes her subjects with nuance and care, encouraging extended viewing of these vibrant and layered portraits. The portraits are presented with The Transformation Room, a luminous installation created from light and intricately cut Tyvek, which offers a moment of respite for reflection and inspiration.

Lecture Series: Jews and the University: Antisemitism, Admissions, Academic Freedom

January 23 - March 14, 2024  The integration of Jews into the university is one of the great success stories of modern American culture and Jewish life. But recent events at Penn and at other campuses have led to accusations that the university has been too tolerant of antisemitism and become less welcoming to Jews. This free lecture series is an effort to share insights from history, sociology, education studies, and other fields that can help put the present moment into context.

The series kicks off with Dara Horn's in-person appearance at Penn Hillel on January 23, and continues with online talks through February and March.

Dr. Sigal R. Ben-Porath Book Discussion

Penn Bookstore, 36th and Walnut Streets | to

Penn Professor of Education, Political Science, and Philosophy Dr. Sigal R. Ben-Porath discusses and signs “Free Speech on Campus.” Everyone with a stake in campus controversiesprofessors, students, administrators, and informed members of the wider publicwill find something valuable in Ben-Porath's illuminating discussion of these crucially important issues.

Ghosts, Zombies, and the Afterlives of Slavery

International House |

ACIREMA - Experiencing the Journey of an International Student

Perry World House, 3803 Locust Walk | to

As one of the highlights of Penn Global Week, Penn staff, faculty and US students are invited to join ISSS for a fun, interactive, and engaging simulation exercise (called ACIREMA --- which is spelled AMERICA backwards) designed to give participants a glimpse into the journey that international students undertake in coming to study in the United States.

Patrice Banks - discussion book signing

Penn Bookstore, 36th and Walnut Streets | to

Award winning entrepreneur and self-proclaimed auto airhead, Patrice Banks discusses and signs copies of her new book, THE GIRLS AUTO CLINIC GLOVE BOX GUIDE. She is the founder of Girls Auto Clinic.

Dr. Ezekiel Dixon-Roman Book Discussion

Penn Bookstore, 36th and Walnut Streets, Events Room | to

Penn Associate Professor Dr. Ezekiel Dixon-Roman discusses and signs Inheriting Possibility; This event is hosted by the Penn School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2).

Discussion, Citizen: An American Lyric

Institute of Contemporary Art | to

History Doesn't Have to Repeat Itself

LGBT Center, 3907 Spruce St | to

Join filmmaker Stéphane Gérard and Penn Africana Studies PhD Student Sydney Baloue for a screening of Gérard's award-winning documentary on Stonewall activism, History Doesn't Have to Repeat Itself, followed by Q&A.  Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Film Screening: Acorn and The Firestorm

International House |

PARTNER SCREENING: Scribe Video Center’s Producers’ Forum
Dirs. Reuben Atlas & Sam Pollard, USA, 2017, 86 min.

With filmmaker Sam Pollard in person.

Willie Cole: On-Site

Arthur Ross Gallery, 220 South 34th Street | to

Willie Cole: On Site features 13 artworks, a video, and includes a site specific installation of a massive chandelier made of recycled water bottles that the artist will create on-site at the David C. Driskell Center at the University of Maryland in the fall of 2016. The traveling exhibition is curated by Dorit Yaron at the David Driskell Center.

The Ways of the Lenape

Penn Museum |

Introduction to Lenape cultures and customs by Rob Aptaker.