Schomburg Center to Host MOTOWN-Inspired Exhibit, 2/1-7/26

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is pleased to announce its first exhibition of 2014, Motown: The Truth is a Hit. Featuring items that highlight Motown's inimitable founder Berry Gordy and the institution's most beloved musical acts, the multi-media showcase chronicles one of the most significant record labels in American music history.

Presented by Northern Trust, the exhibition is produced in partnership with the Motown Museum, the Schomburg Center, and Motown the Musical and will be on display from February 1, 2014 to July 26, 2014 at the Schomburg Center (515 Malcolm X Boulevard and 135th Street in Harlem, New York).

"What a great moment to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement by kicking off our 2014 exhibition season with The Truth is a Hit," says Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Director of the Schomburg Center. "It is impossible to tell the story of that era without the soundtrack of Motown. As the country's foremost repository of black culture--from books and art to photographs and, of course, music. We look forward to inviting patrons of all ages to learn more about the music that helped make the movement."

The Truth is a Hit explores Motown's early start as Tamla Records in 1959 Detroit through pivotal times in both musical and American history. From the Great Migration of blacks from the southern states to the industrial cities of the north and west, to the label's involvement with the Civil Rights Movement, to the protest songs of the Vietnam War, the "Motown Sound" provided lasting, soulful narratives for generations of black Americans throughout the country and served as a lasting influence for future musicians of all races and genres.

The Truth is a Hit features video and audio clips, Motown recordings, artifacts from Motown's popular artists courtesy of the Motown Museum, the Schomburg Center and other private collections. Some of the items on display include:

• Gowns and artifacts of Motown's popular artists
• The original release of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech recording by the Motown record label
• Video clips of Berry Gordy speaking about Motown and its history as well as its legacy today
• First Motortown Revue at the famed Apollo Theatre
• Pieces from Berry Gordy's private collection of Chris Clark canvases celebrating iconic Motown artists

"Motown Museum is both pleased and honored to co-curate this exhibit with the Schomburg Center. Both institutions represent so much as custodians of important achievements in African-American history. We are excited with the opportunity to broaden the narrative of the Motown story and place it in the context of the overall the experiences and events that shapes our culture - yesterday, today, and forever," says Allen Rawls and Robin Terry of the Motown Museum..

Exhibition-related programs at the Schomburg include a Theater Talk panel discussion with the cast of Motown the Musical on February 24th and a conversation about Motown's impact and legacy in the world of fashion, entitled, "Motown + Fashion" on April 17th. Further event details can be found on the Schomburg Center's website at http://www.schomburgcenter.org.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus