This regular section of The Passage Project is the spot to find abbreviated notes on news and events throughout the African Diaspora and beyond.
Image of Monticello by Oliver Leveritt, Creative Commons
Everywhere
PRI has been airing Kurt Anderson's Studio 360 - American Icons series featuring Malcolm X, Buffalo Bill, Jimmy Hendrix's Star Spangled Banner, Harley Davidson, and the classic television show I Love Lucy. Today they broadcasted their profile of Monticello, a landmark that is serious obsession of mine. For me, Monticello represents the complexities that have always existed in America. Because of Jefferson's meticulous recordkeeping and the fact that so many of his possessions were well maintained over the years, he left us an abundance to examine and learn from. Whether you're interested in the history of American cuisine, architecture, the issue of race in America, or simply love touring old homes, Monticello should be on the top of your list.
I had the chance to visit in 2007 and am looking forward to another visit this summer. The incredible views from his "little mountain" are reason alone to visit.
There are a couple of differeny ways to listen to American Icons: either You sign up for the podcast or listen to the complete series with topics related to all things Americana online.
New York, Everywhere
On Monday, The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art paid tribute a watershed event in fashion that took place at the Palace of Versaille in November 1973. According to Colorlines, the work of Christian Dior, Yves St. Laurent,and Emanuel Ungaro showed alongside Halson, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta and other designers who were new to the international stage. This was the first time that a fashion event of this scale used a large number of black models. Bethann Hardison was among the black models that evening, who, you might say, started a revolution. Hardison went on to start her own modeling agency in 1984 and is currently the editor-at-large at Italian Vogue's Vogue Black.
Check out images from the night at Fashion Bomb Daily and listen to NPR's telling of the events backstory on Sunday's Weekend Edition.
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