The Open Letter Project (NMI 2008): Virtual Harlem Machinima
Produced by Bryan Carter, Jason Knapp (UT), Crystal Emery (CT), Mary Tuti Baker (HI)
The Virtual Harlem Machinima Project synthesizes the debate and dialogue around politics, race and identity in the United States, spanning from the Harlem Renaissance to this past election, advocating for active citizenship. A McCain vs. Obama debate between "Girl Next Door" and "Virtual Harlem Enthusiast" segues into a journey into Second Life's Virtual Harlem. We progress through different conversations about politics, imagery and the unique responsibilities of artists of color among various political, artistic and intellectual leaders of the Harlem Renaissance. These "virtual" scenes with Zora Neale Hurston, WEB DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., Arturo Schomburg, Oscar Micheaux, etc., are supported by relevant historical footage, such as clips of DW Griffith’s "Birth of a Nation" and Marcus Garvey's "Back to Africa" parade. The journey concludes with our original avatars and the Harlem Renaissance leaders composing a collective letter to our future president, demanding healing for a wounded American psyche, and composing a civic-minded social network that spans decades and transcends geography.
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