Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) will continue its “Conversation to End Hate” series with two Barbara L. Bishop Distinguished Lecturers — noted curator Dr. Jacquelyn Serwer and African American blues musician Daryl Davis.

According to a press release, Serwer will share her perspective based on extensive curatorial experience, including her current position as chief curator of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Her lecture and discussion will take place Jan. 31, at 6:30 p.m. in Blackwell Hall on Longwood’s campus. A reception will follow.

“Serwer and Davis are two of several speakers presenting in the ‘Break Glass: Conversations to End Hate’ program series, which began in Nov. 2017,” officials said in the release. “Spanning over four months, the series was developed in partnership with LCVA, the Robert Russa Moton Museum and the Longwood Office of Citizen Leadership and Social Justice Education as part of LCVA’s current exhibition: ‘Break Glass: The Art of V.L. Cox-A Conversation to End Hate’ which is on display until Feb. 26.”

NMAAHC is the only museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. Serwer was instrumental in building the new museum’s foundational collection, as well as developing exhibitions and preparing for the museum’s opening in 2016. Prior to this she served for six years as chief curator of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and served as chief curator and curator of contemporary art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

“Since its opening the museum has had an extensive wait list for tours, and regularly sells out of timed tickets within minutes of their release,” officials said in the release. “To date the museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 individuals have become members.”

The “Break Glass: Conversations to End Hate” program series will continue on Feb. 16 with a film screening and discussion of Davis’ award-winning documentary “Accidental Courtesy” in the LCVA. This will be followed by “Klan-Destine Relationships,” a lecture and discussion with Davis, on Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Wygal Hall.

Davis will discuss his strategy, self-described as “Establish dialogue. When two enemies are talking, they’re not fighting.” Davis says 200 Klansmen have given up their robes since he began talking with them. He collects the robes and keeps them in his home as a reminder of the dent he has made in racism by simply sitting down and having dinner with people.

Cainan Townsend, director of education and public programs for the Robert Russa Moton Museum said, “Having Dr. Jacquelyn Serwer and Mr. Daryl Davis come to Farmville is a great opportunity to have some very important dialogue. Having speakers of this profile is a testament to how attractive it is becoming to come to a place with as much historical significance as Farmville.”

“We are very honored to have Dr. Jacquelyn Serwer and Mr. Daryl Davis to Longwood to continue this conversation,” LCVA Director of Outreach and Education Emily Grabiec said.

LCVA will have other programs during this time as part of the “Break Glass: Conversations to End Hate” program series. Visit the LCVA website at www.lcva. longwood.edu to learn more.