If you’ve been seeing an unexpected number of flower children along M-59 in central Macomb County over the past several weeks, don’t be alarmed. They have all been making their way to the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College to rekindle memories of that era.
The Sixties: A Decade that Defined a Generation is drawing those who experienced the politics, music and societal events of that tumultuous decade and those who simply seek to learn more about them. The program series of exhibits, presentations, performances and activities examines the events that impacted America and the Detroit region during the 1960s. The series continues through May 16.
“The presentations – and the feedback we’ve received about them – have been fantastic,” said Geary Maiuri, dean of Community & Student Enrichment at Macomb. “We’re hearing from people who are not only experts on some of the key movements of the 1960s, but in many cases from people who were actually directly involved in the civil rights movement, women’s equality, the space race and other aspects from that era.”
Those who have been in attendance at the series’ first month of activities heard civil rights icon Andrew Young tell an audience that “The only thing that counts is what comes from your heart.” Others heard local Vietnam War prisoner of War Donald “Digger” Odell relate a tale that began with the chilling comment: “as I floated down on the parachute, all I could see around me was North Vietnam, and I realized, boy, am I in big trouble.”
Highlighting the continuing Sixties program is a special Speakers Series, sponsored by the Kresge Foundation. It features feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem, April 16, and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Stanley Karnow, who will speak on the history of the Vietnam War, May 7. Tickets for each of the speaker events are $15 or $5 for seniors, students and military and require advance registration. A limited number of $40 tickets are available to a special wine reception with the speaker prior to the presentation. All of the speaker series presentations are at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings.
Other highlights include:
• Photos and related materials on the Apollo program that landed a man on the moon; the lives of John F. and Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.; the musical British Invasion and other aspects of life from the 1960s.
• A look at service in the Peace Corps, presented by a man who responded to Kennedy’s 2 a.m. speech in 196 at the University of Michigan challenging students to contribute their talents to the world, April 24.
• Macomb professors examining the impacts of 1960s era rock ’n’ roll, April 4; the Cold War, April 23; and the Vietnam War, April 25 and 29.
• The dance party show era will be brought to life by Robin Seymour, who hosted “Swingin’ Time,” a local version of American Bandstand from 1965-68, May 1. Tickets are $20.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on the Macomb Community College Center Campus, Garfield and M-59, Clinton Township. The exhibits are open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 28-May 16. To register for a presentation or for more information, call 586.445.7348 or go to www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
The cultural center is located adjacent to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, which is offering a variety of 1960s-related concerts during the series, including The Smothers Brothers, April 18; the 1964 Tribute band, April 24; Bobby Vinton, April 25; and Detroit rocker Mitch Ryder, April 30. The entertainment acts require a separate paid admission ticket. For tickets or information on the Sixties Speakers Series, the Swingin’ Time event or Macomb Center for the Performing Arts performances, call 586.286.2222 or go to www.macombcenter.com.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (lorenzoculturalcenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 59,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
(586) 445-7271
heatond@macomb.edu