The Negro Artist Documentary Screening
Tuesday, 22 Apr 2025 at 6:00 pm – Sun Room, Memorial Union
Amidst the often-overlooked spaces of the Midwest lives a Black voice that demands to be heard. This documentary is a journey into the world of Caleb Rainey, a Black spoken word poet professionally known as The Negro Artist. Rainey's poetry is a profound exploration of race, identity, and the lived realities of systemic inequality. His stage name is inspired by the Langston Hughes essay "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain." Hughes was an early influence for Rainey as he came into his own as an artist.This film seeks to capture the essence of Rainey not just as an artist, but as a vital voice in the ongoing dialogue about race in America. His work challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths and inspires us to envision a more equitable future. By sharing Rainey's story, the hope is to provide a window into the transformative potential of poetry and to affirm the significance of every voice in the ongoing quest for justice and understanding.Note: This documentary screening will not be recorded.Amidst the often-overlooked spaces of the Midwest lives a Black voice that demands to be heard. This documentary is a journey into the world of Caleb Rainey, a Black spoken word poet professionally known as The Negro Artist. Rainey's poetry is a profound exploration of race, identity, and the lived realities of systemic inequality. His stage name is inspired by the Langston Hughes essay "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain." Hughes was an early influence for Rainey as he came into his own as an artist.This film seeks to capture the essence of Rainey not just as an artist, but as a vital voice in the ongoing dialogue about race in America. His work challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths and inspires us to envision a more equitable future. By sharing Rainey's story, the hope is to provide a window into the transformative potential of poetry and to affirm the significance of every voice in the ongoing quest for justice and understanding.Note: This documentary screening will not be recorded.
Stay for the entire event, including the brief question-and-answer session that follows the formal presentation. Most events run 75 minutes.
Sign-ins are after the event concludes. For lectures in the Memorial Union, go to the information desk in the Main Lounge. In other academic buildings, look for signage outside the auditorium.
Lecture Etiquette
- Stay for the entire lecture and the brief audience Q&A. If a student needs to leave early, he or she should sit near the back and exit discreetly.
- Do not bring food or uncovered drinks into the lecture.
- Check with Lectures staff before taking photographs or recording any portion of the event. There are often restrictions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops may be used to take notes or for class assignments.
- Keep questions or comments brief and concise to allow as many as possible.