The Center for Africana Studies at Central Connecticut State University will host its annual conference on Wednesday and Thursday, March 4 and 5. The events in “African Bodies, Souls and Global Challenges” will begin with a screening of the classic silent film “Body and Soul.”
The 1925 film is about an escaped convict who poses as a reverend to try to scam a congregation, and then falls in love with a young woman. It stars the legendary Paul Robeson and is directed by the groundbreaking black director Oscar Micheaux.
Live musical accompaniment for the screening will be provided by jazz drummer William Hooker, a CCSU alumnus, and his band. The conference continues at 9 a.m. the following day in Memorial Hall with presentations by scholars and community members. Admission is free. CCSU is at 1615 Stanley St. in New Britain.
