Let The Drums Speak: Honoring the Legendary Bernard "Pretty" Purdie

Let the Drums Speak: A Conversation with the Legendary Bernard "Pretty" Purdie
Join us for the opening event of our 2025 Black History Celebration as we honor the life and career of Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, one of the most recorded drummers of all time. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to music, Purdie will be joined by Jerome Jennings and Skeme Richards for a dynamic conversation about his legendary drumming career and his significant role in shaping the music industry.

This event will delve into Purdie’s iconic career, his impact on the music world, and the enduring cultural significance of drums in Black history. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most influential drummers of all time in an inspiring and intimate setting.

Our 2025 Black History Celebration, themed And The Beat Goes On: Drums as Rhythm, Resistance, and Resilience, also includes a thought-provoking exhibit exploring the legacy of drums in Black culture, as well as two additional programs that will further celebrate the power of drums as tools of communication, resistance, and resilience in Black and African American communities.

This celebration is proudly produced by the James Brown African American Room at the Newark Public Library. Stay tuned for more details about the exhibit and upcoming programs as we continue to honor this rich history and culture throughout the month of February.

Be sure to check out our 2025 Black History Celebration webpage www.npl.org/BHC2025

And follow us on Instagram for program updates: @JBAAR_NPL

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Newark Public Library - Main Branch, 5 Washington Street, Newark, United States