Performers, cultural historians, and linguists weigh in on the meaning and critical significance of Black Language to forms of expression like the Blues, Spirituals, Spoken Word, Preaching, Comedy, and Hip Hop, revealing how earlier traditions of orality give vitality and depth to contemporary modes of African American performance art, from round dances to the freestyle lyricism of cypher. Screening followed by Q&A.

The Talking Black In America series is an Emmy Award-winning documentary series that explores the most controversial and misunderstood language variety in the United States: African American Language. With the perspectives of everyday people and the guidance of historians, linguists, and educators, the series showcases the history of the language, the symbolic role it plays in the lives of African Americans, and the tremendous impact on the language and culture of the United States. Programs will include Q&A with producers and contributors from NC State's The Language and Life Project.