T
he documentary Fiercen
ess Served! The ENIK Alley Coffeehouse focuses on the local h
istory of a Black LGBT performance venue\, rehearsal space\, and meeting p
lace for artists and political organizations in Washington\, DC from the 1
980s to the mid-90s.
It was the epicent er of a cultural renaissance that paralleled The Harlem Renaissance. The f ilm features the work of Coffeehouse artists as well as interviews with su rviving members and supporters. Following the screening\, there will be a conversation moderated by Camille Brown\, Associate Curator\, the Phillips Collection together with Christopher Prince\, Michelle Parkerson\, and Wa yson Jones &mdash\; artists who were active in Enik Alley&rsquo\;s poetry and performance scene. Brown will discuss her recent exhibition Essex Hemp hill: Take Care of Your Blessings and lead each artist in discussion of ke y performances\, connections to other D.I.Y. art spaces\, and the enduring impact of ENIK Alley today. The program will also feature a sneak preview of a new documentary by the collective Black in Space and consider the im pact of the earlier scene on new generations of LGBTQ+ artists and activis ts.
\nThis screening and conversation is held in conjunction with th e exhibition D.I.Y. in th e District: Celebrating D.C.'s Artist-Run Spaces\, on view through Dec ember 7 at the MLK Library.
\nThis program\, and the DC Public Libra
ry Arts and Exhibits Program\, is made possible in part through support fr
om the DC Public Library Foundation.
Visit the exhibit website for a
full schedule of artist-driven programs during October and November.