Name: Art of the Ages: The Evolution of the Portrayal of Black Americans in the Media (1910-1990)
Start: 2025-08-14T10:00:00-0400
End: 2025-08-14T11:00:00-0400

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

Thursday August 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Room 5

The Black Canon is honored to propose "Art of the Ages" as a featured discussion and mini-exhibit at the Wayne County Diverse Histories Summit, hosted by Wayne RESA. This presentation will provide educators with a compelling, visual exploration of Black representation in media from 1910 to 1990, aligning with the Disciplinary Literacy Essentials, Secondary School-wide Practices, and the C3 Framework. Through inquiry-based learning, participants will engage with rare archival materials, tracing the evolution of Black storytelling—from early harmful stereotypes to self-authored narratives of empowerment. By immersing educators in this historical journey, we will equip them with strategies to integrate culturally responsive, place-based learning into their classrooms, deepening their ability to support diverse narratives within their curriculum.

A central pillar of this session is the untold story of Detroit native and trailblazer James E. Wheeler, whose life's work in preserving Black film, theater, and media serves as a testament to the power of cultural preservation. Wheeler’s deep ties to the Detroit arts scene, from his work with Concept East Theater in the 1960s to his historic collaborations with institutions such as MoMA, Harvard University, and the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, highlight the significance of Detroit as a hub for Black artistic excellence. Despite his invaluable contributions, his legacy remains largely unrecognized. By sharing his journey, we aim to illuminate underreported local histories and inspire educators to uncover and integrate similar narratives from their own communities.

As a brother-and-sister team dedicated to preserving our father’s legacy, we founded The Black Canon to ensure that these cultural artifacts remain accessible and impactful for future generations. Our nonprofit arm, The Black Canon Collection, is committed to housing, curating, and archiving over 40,000 historical collectibles spanning film, literature, music, and visual art. Through "Art of the Ages," we invite educators to not only expand their knowledge of Black media history but also build networks of allies who are committed to teaching a comprehensive and inclusive history. By connecting with Wayne RESA’s events and resources, participants will gain tangible strategies to sustain brave, informed, and culturally enriching discussions in their schools and districts.

Speakers

Alima Trapp

The Black Canon

Alima Trapp specializes in driving instinctive solutions that forge smarter thinking. She has a unique blend of expertise including research, brand and cultural strategy, growth and development as well as consumer context planning in the media space. Being recognized by the industry... Read More →

Ali Wheeler

The Black Canon

Ali Wheeler comprises half of the brother and sister duo (The Black Canon) dedicated to preserving not only Black Art in the form of their vast multi-media collection, but also their father's legacy. Upon his passing, they were blessed to inherit his groundbreaking life's work, amassing... Read More →

Thursday August 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Room 5

Breakout Session #4

Wayne County Teaching Diverse History Summit

Alima Trapp

Ali Wheeler

Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, check-in, leave feedback and see who's attending!