Intentional Amnesia & New York City’s Missing Century

This Olio will highlight and celebrate the impact of the African Diaspora on New York City by starting with the question: “Where are the black people in the story of NYC?” We’ll look at 5 big moments in New York City’s first 100 years that are missing from our collective visual memory and how this intentional amnesia has adversely impacted our identity as United States citizens.

Addressing such an old and chronic problem will require an engaged ecosystem of creatives, institutions, and the public square itself. In essence, we will look at the dual dynamic of visual storytelling as both problem and solution to engage with New York City’s Missing Century: 1664 – 1764.

Teacher: Kamau Ware