A.C.T.O.R. presents: Global Hip-Hop Identities: Race, Space, and PlaceA discussion presented in partnership with Words, Beats & Life. The event will discuss the evolution of hip-hop into a multinational, multiracial, and multiethnic force that plays a significant role in local and global economics, politics, and grassroots activism. We will also explore with our panel the ways (more…)

A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) presents: Deconstructing Gentrification: Development Without Community We are excited to kick-off 2015 with an A.C.T.O.R. discussion on the highly complex topic of gentrification and its disproportionately negative impact on poorer communities and people of color. With insight from our highly distinguished panel, we will explore the definition and causes of (more…)

A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) presents: Assata in Her Own Words – A Discussion on the Life and Legacy of Assata Shakur In light of the recent foreign policy shift with Cuba, A.C.T.O.R. takes a look at the life and legacy of Assata Shakur – one of the most famous American civil rights exiles. Background: On May 2 1973, (more…)

Busboys and Poets and ACTOR welcome filmmaker Darnley R. Hodge, Jr. who will be screening the 25-minute preview for his forthcoming documentary series, The American LOWS (Legacy of White Supremacy). The screening will be followed by discussion and Q&A. ABOUT THE SERIESThe American LOWS series is a collection of interview-based documentaries that examine the global (more…)

April 16, 1862 marks the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. Over 3,000 enslaved persons were freed eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation liberated slaves in the South. Join us for a community conversation with Busboys and Poets founder and owner, Andy Shallal on “Emancipation” —-The A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) open discussion series (more…)

CANCELED: Join us for a special edition of A.C.T.O.R. in  Takoma on May 17, 2015A.C.T.O.R. (in your community) welcomes Busboys and Poets founder, Andy Shallal, fresh from a trip to Cuba, to explore the intersectionality of the Afro-Cuban & Afro-American experience as exemplified by Nicolas Guillén and Langston Hughes (more…)

Special Edition of A.C.T.O.R.A.C.T.O.R. (in your community) welcomes community members for a discussion on the #BaltimoreUprisingFree and open to all (more…)

This month’s feature, Nancy Morejón, is a Cuban poet, critic and essayist. Her work explores a range of themes including the mythology of the Cuban nation, the experience of Black Cubans within the nation and the plights of women in Cuban Society. She has produced a number of journalistic, critical, and dramatic works. One of (more…)

Special A.C.T.O.R. to discuss the recent massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Featuring special guests:  Dr. Stacey Patton senior enterprise reporter for the Chronicle of Higher Education, adjunct professor of American history at American UniversityErika Totten, community organizer and Founder, Unchained Reverend Dexter U. Nutall Pastor, New Bethel Baptist Church–The A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) open discussion series is hosted (more…)

What is Race?  A.C.T.O.R (A Continuing Talk on Race) welcomes Dr. Frances Cress Welsing to discuss Rachel Dolezal, “Passing” and racial identity.Dr. Frances Cress Welsing is an African American psychiatrist practicing in Washington, D.C.. She is noted for her “Cress Theory of Color Confrontation”, which explores the practice of white supremacy. She is the author of (more…)

Judge Not: A Photo Exhibition and Open Discussion on the Perception of Black MenWhat does it mean to be a black (African-American) male in today’s society and what can we do to change the negative perceptions and create opportunities for black males to be successful? #judgenotThe A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) open discussion series is (more…)

The A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) open discussion series is hosted by Busboys and Poets as a community service. It provides the opportunity for people to come together and speak openly and honestly about issues of race. The intent is that each person walks away from the discussion feeling something: challenged, educated, uncomfortable, enlightened, (more…)