The legendary McCoy Tyner Trio performed at Penn State as part of the initiative "In Pursuit of Social Justice: Recognizing Pennsylvania Black Artists." Apisak Sindhuphak

Not since Arthur Miller has there been a playwright who so lyrically captures the collective experiences of the working class as does August Wilson. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Wilson survived pervasive racism and menial jobs to become one of the greatest living playwrights and one of the most important African American artists. He has won numerous prizes, including two Pulitzers, as well as Tony Awards for "Fences" in 1987 and "The Piano Lesson" in 1990.

Penn State and the surrounding communities will have an opportunity to experience Wilson's work firsthand during the August Wilson Play Festival, which will be held at Penn State from April 27 to April 30. An extraordinary experience in itself, the festival is also the fourth event in the ongoing initiative "In Pursuit of Social Justice: Recognizing Pennsylvania Black Artists."

A joint initiative of Penn State's Africana Research Center and the Institute for the Arts and Humanities, it intends to celebrate the creative achievements of Black Pennsylvanians and use their artistic contributions as a way to promote racial and cultural diversity. The multifaceted and multiyear project includes support for scholarship regarding Pennsylvania Black artists, the acquisition of targeted collections, regularly sponsored events and outreach to public schools.

	Second from right is artist Dane Tilghman, with Penn State faculty (from left to right) Charles Dumas, Dr. Beverly Vandiver and Dr. Laura Knoppers. David Knoppers

Art Soothes the Soul
"Often diversity is discussed through factual information, teaching and scholarly work," said Dr. Beverly Vandiver, director of the Africana Research Center and associate professor of education. However, "art has the ability to soothe the soul, resonate with the spirit and touch the heart. We're hoping that this initiative will help create a better culture of comfort and increased understanding of people who are different."

The inaugural event in the series was held last spring, with the legendary McCoy Tyner Trio performing at Schwab Auditorium. A standing-room-only crowd of 900 attended "An Evening of Jazz."

The impact of that event still resonates with those who participated. "I've never seen such a diverse audience," said Dr. Laura Knoppers, director of the Institute for the Arts and Humanities and professor of English. "Not only was the audience racially diverse, but there were people of all ages from the community, along with graduate and undergraduate students, faculty and staff. There was enthusiastic recognition of a cultural heritage that's often not included in a traditional curriculum."

Last fall Penn State welcomed best-selling author and journalist Bebe Moore Campbell as part of the series. The author of New York Times best sellers "Brothers and Sisters" and "Your Blues Ain't Like Mine," she has been called "one of the most important African American writers of the century" by The Washington Post. Those who attended her lecture in the HUB called her mesmerizing.

The series has also celebrated the work of visual artists, including Dane Tilghman. Tilghman has established himself as one of the premier painters of African American life, with images of golf and Negro League Baseball. "I emphasize Black Americana, but my work crosses over to a broad audience," said Tilghman. "I think everyone can relate to the old times and traditions and that all people can connect with the work."

Getting the Message Out
Outreach is also a major component of the initiative, said Dr. Marica Tacconi, associate director of the Institute for the Arts and Humanities and associate professor of musicology in the School of Music. "The more we can get the message out, the better for all of us," she said.

Charles Dumas, associate professor in the School of Theatre, is currently teaching a course on the life and work of August Wilson. This spring, Dumas and his students will visit area high schools (State College, Bald Eagle, Bellefonte and others) to perform scenes from Wilson's plays.

"One of the things we're trying to do is increase the depth of experience of high school students in central Pennsylvania about the experience of African Americans," said Dumas. "Pittsburgh is more than the Steelers, and Wilson brings a different view of what's happening within the African American community there.

"The most important part of August Wilson is that he's on the world stage yet still draws on his Pittsburgh experiences to create new works. Through his plays we are known around the world. It's important for us to honor him, because in honoring him we're also honoring ourselves and our heritage."