The Streets of New York are Like a Library | National Humanities Center

Humanities Moments

The Streets of New York are Like a Library

July 17, 2020

Thompson, Carter (Artist and Designer)

Harlem Renaissance; American History; Collective Memory; Storytelling; Cities;

In this video submission, artist Carter Thompson discusses how a recent exhibit on the Harlem Renaissance revealed some of the fascinating history of the century-old building in which he lives and helped him feel a connection across the decades with those who lived in the neighborhood before him.

Thompson describes how his sensibilities as an artist are informed by the stories of those who have walked the same streets, or seen the angle of the light in much the same way. He also notes how the humanities help us to bridge differences wrought by time and vastly different life experiences, and to find the common threads of our shared humanity.


Subjects

History / Art / Harlem Renaissance / American History / Collective Memory / Storytelling / Cities /

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