Prof Eros and Sorinvibee. Courtesy of the artists.
Honoring the Past, Engineering the Future
Celebrate Juneteenth, Benny Andrews and the legacy of Black Americans’ historical contributions to the arts and sciences. The program, emceed by Professor Eros, will include a Mentorship Lounge, ArtTech Playground & Game Zone, African drumming and interactive spoken word, live DJ, networking, socializing, and resource tabling.
Live music: Prof Eros, Sorinvibee, and DJ GalloN3gro.
Presented in partnership with 100 Black Men of America and National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
Game Zone: ArtTech Playground, Black in Gaming, Da Cirkus, and HOP32.
Resource partners: African American Heritage House, AWỌ, SJSU Black Alliance of Scientists and Engineers (BASE), and SJSU Career Center.
Keynote Performance with Prof Eros and SorinVibee
ÒMÌNIRA" (Freedom)
Àrólé Ìwà (The Yoruba Legacy: On the Shoulders of Giants)
This performance is a cinematic sonic bridge between traditional West African philosophy, pre-colonial language, and the American Civil Rights lineage. It pairs the raw, earthy heartbeat of a single acoustic Djembe drum with the sweeping, ambient textures of a Roland J-6 analog synth pad to create a deeply immersive experience.
Intended as a Juneteenth remembrance, the performance is an intentional storytelling journey divided into two movements:
- Movement I: The Ancestral Shoulders (Àrólé Ìwà)
Explores foundational Yoruba principles of character and integrity (Ìwà Ọmọlúàbí). Guided by the proverb, "We stand on the shoulders of giants so we see further," audience participation is encouraged. - Movement II: The Sound of Freedom (Òmìnira): Anchored by precise physical choreography (including a symbolic "ringing bell" for freedom and an intertwined bird-in-flight gesture), the piece opens into spoken-word, building towards a rhythmic chant of 50 indigenous Yoruba names for the Creator.
Benny Andrews’ Shadow Over the Land
The event provides attendees a chance to see the Benny Andrews’ painting Shadow Over the Land (1966) from the Museum’s collection before it leaves for conservation. SJMA received a generous grant from Bank of America’s Art Conservation Project™ to support the preservation of the painting by Andrews (1930–2006), a New York-based artist, educator, and activist who sought to make visible the everyday experiences of Black Americans.
To learn more about Andrews and the painting, go to 50x50.sjmusart.org/andrews