BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT
After the assassination of Dr. King in April 1968, African-American artists around the country realized that non-violence was an ineffective response to a nation whose history of denigration was ingrained in its soil. The BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT along with its sister/brother political movement the BLACK POWER MOVEMENT desired to reassert the power of the people to change society and liberate black people. The desire in the black arts community was of self-determination to define their race and culture as humans – to re-imagine the stereotypical images and ideas - so that Black people could see themselves in all of their depth and breadth on the American stage, and thus begin to reshape the way the white society viewed them. Theatre was used not only to force change, but to be change.

PENUMBRA THEATRE
In 1976, as a reaction to the stereotypical depiction of the black ethos, Lou Bellamy founded Penumbra to make art that roared with authenticity through the rich, unrestrained voice of black playwrights and artists. As Minnesota’s only professional African American theater, Penumbra has achieved national recognition for its artistic excellence and signature style and has presented 155 productions including 35 world premieres. It contributes over $2 million annually to the local economy, and attracts new talent and media attention from across the country.

The ultimate goal of the Penumbra mission is to make socially responsible art that provokes thought and action around issues of racism and social justice. Penumbra activates its mission through three core programs: the main stage brings artistically excellent stories to life with an unflinching commitment to cultural authenticity; our new play program ensures that the African American experience is preserved by developing uncompromising stories; and, our education programs mobilize the power of art to create social change.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA AND PENUMBRA
The common link between these two institutions has been Lou Bellamy – professor for 32 years in the U of M’s Theatre, Arts and Dance department, and, founder of one of the nation’s preeminent African American theaters. Thanks to Lou’s vision, over a hundred undergraduate and graduate students and dozens of faculty have been given the opportunity to hone their talents and shared their theatre skills at Penumbra. Some have earned the prestigious August Wilson Fellowship and beginning next year, some will be awarded the new Lou Bellamy – John Free Fellowship. The Penumbra archives and the Lou Bellamy Rare Book Collection are both part of the Givens Collection for African American Literature, which is an important part of the U of M Archives and Libraries collection. The individual relationships over many years which have benefitted students, scholars, artists and the American stage – set a firm foundation for a more formal partnership between the U of M and Penumbra. In the coming year, you will hear more about this exciting new concept.