A celebration of the East End's diversity titled "Gather: Conversations Led by Black and Indigenous Change-Makers" is being hosted by Guild Hall this week. The series was produced with service workers, teachers, community leaders, and developers in mind, presenting the experiences of BIPOC artists, scholars, and leaders. Spanning from Friday, July 16, through July 19, it includes several different events.
On July 16, the poet and storyteller Andrina Wekontash Smith will reflect on Shinnecock griefs and her relationship to her ancestors during a shared-meal and communal discussion at Ma's House & BIPOC Studio on the Shinnecock Reservation. Those interested must take their own seating. The cost is $35 and registration is available on the Guild Hall website.
Next up will be a Tuktu paddle tour of Shinnecock on July 17 led by Gerrod Smith, Tuktu PT founder, who will talk with participants about indigenous culture, plants, and landmarks. There are two time slots available for this event, 10 a.m. to noon or 2 to 4 p.m. Paddlers are to meet at Ma's House & BIPOC Studio. There is a registration fee of $50 per person.
On July 18 Donnamarie Barnes and Georgette Grier-Key will host a discussion of the book "Whaling Captains of Color: America's First Meritocracy" in collaboration with the author, Skip Finley. The talk will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at Guild Hall in East Hampton. There is an admission fee of $15.
The series will conclude with a workshop titled Wampum: History, Craft, and Practice hosted by Chief Harry Wallace and Tecumseh Ceaser on July 19. An open dialogue on the teachings and significance of wampum, the event will take place at Guild Hall and costs $15.
Proceeds from the series assist Guild Hall's education initiatives and the development of Ma's House & BIPOC Art Studio.
