The Black Canon

The Black Canon Dedicated to preserving and promoting African American literary, performing, visual, and media arts.

04/29/2026

, the legend Duke Ellington was born (1899- 1974).

This showcases Duke Ellington’s Jam Session Soundie, a 1942 musical short that exemplifies the innovation and cultural impact of early jazz film. Soundies were precursors to modern music videos, shown on video jukeboxes in the 1930s and 40s.

This performance of C Jam Blues, one of his most famous pieces, provides a glimpse into Ellington’s groundbreaking influence in expanding jazz’s reach, and the broader historical context of Black musical artistry in early cinema. Ellington’s artistry shaped both music and visual storytelling, ensuring his enduring legacy in American culture.

We are excited to announce a special 3-part, cultural film series in partnership with Campfire Film Cooperative and Moto...
04/21/2026

We are excited to announce a special 3-part, cultural film series in partnership with Campfire Film Cooperative and Motor City Cinematheque.

Join us for a celebration of Black cinema with each program curated to spotlight powerful, historic, and often underseen works, all presented the way they were meant to be experienced: on 16mm film.

Each series unfolds in three movements:
• Part 1 – A selection of short films
• Part 2 – Music selections
• Part 3 – A feature presentation

Details for each will be revealed as we get closer to every event.

Our first gathering on Thursday, May 21 will feature a curated selection of short films.

Admission is free - please register to attend. Link in Bio.

04/17/2026

Join TBC co-founders Ali Wheeler and Alima Trapp as they engage in an interactive discussion with Old Black Hollywood - a digital platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating the pioneers of Black cinema from the Golden Era of Hollywood.

On this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson made his historic debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking Major League Baseball’s...
04/15/2026

On this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson made his historic debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier. A defining moment that changed the game. Today, across Major League Baseball, April 15th is recognized as "Jackie Robinson Day".

04/11/2026

Join Old Black Hollywood as they peruse the Act Black poster exhibition at Poster House Museum in NYC to talk about some of the items we contributed to this wonderful exhibit.

East Lansing! The Black Canon is bringing a sampling of our signature Art of the Ages pop-up exhibit to the MSU Multicul...
04/08/2026

East Lansing! The Black Canon is bringing a sampling of our signature Art of the Ages pop-up exhibit to the MSU Multicultural Center!

This chronological selection of artifacts details the portrayal of Black Americans in the media and advertising from the early 1900's to 2000, through pieces from The Black Canon Collection.

We hope to see you there!

In partnership with and the Lucky 7 Media Agency.
Flyer Designed by:

MSU Multicultural Center "Living Room"
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
4-7pm
Free Admission

we honor Billie Holiday, a voice unlike any other.Honored to have many of her recordings as part of The Black Canon Co...
04/07/2026

we honor Billie Holiday, a voice unlike any other.
Honored to have many of her recordings as part of The Black Canon Collection.

Featured, From the Archive: The Best of Billie Holiday, Verve Records (1972)

Sending a happy birthday to our Co-Founder, Ali Wheeler! Wishing you a blessed year ahead! 🙌🏽
03/28/2026

Sending a happy birthday to our Co-Founder, Ali Wheeler! Wishing you a blessed year ahead! 🙌🏽

Our Junior Director Naiel Wheeler was outside reppin’ The Black Canon at the ANTA x Politics Court Reveal and Ribbon Cut...
03/21/2026

Our Junior Director Naiel Wheeler was outside reppin’ The Black Canon at the ANTA x Politics Court Reveal and Ribbon Cutting at the Fahim J. Minkah Community Park in Dallas, and he got to meet some great people he looks up to!

Shout out to the great Kyrie Irving, Al Harrington and Dr. Michael Sorrell (Paul Quinn College).

Our co-founder Ali Wheeler was even able to get his hands on the ANTA Kai 3 Patchwork sneaks 👀




03/19/2026

Diggin in the Canon Crates and stumbled across these comedic gems. A few of the thousands of vinyl records we are working to archive, in partnership with Black Artists Archive and cultural preservationist, David Ellis.

And, Happy Birthday to Moms Mabley, born on this day in 1894.

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