Arts & Culture

Photos by SHON SMITH/D’ANGELO PHOTOS JAPANESE ART COLLECTION—The Broadway Federal Bank on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles hosted an Afternoon of Eloquence and Elegance on July 19 with Jacqueline Avant, wife of legendary music executive Clarence Avant. The event featured Avant’s collection of Japanese lacquered boxes that date back to the 17th and 19th centuries. Guests had the opportunity to explore the boxes and speak with Avant, who is one of the foremost collectors of Japanese art. Pictured: (top left, l to r) Makiko Ihara and her husband Junichi Ihara, consul general of Japan, having a conversation with Avant. Also pictured: (top right, l to r) American assemblage artist Betye Saar and Avant.

 SHORT TAKES
MUSIC
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 CNN Presents ‘Black in America’ Documentary
CNN will present the four-hour documentary, “Black in America,” hosted by Soledad O’Brien, July 24 and July 25. It’s a landmark documentary series presented in two parts, “The Black Woman & Family” and “The Black Man.” O’Brien explores the varied experiences of black men, black women and families and investigates the reasons behind the disturbing statistics on single parenthood, disparities between black and white students in the classroom and the devastating toll of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in black communities. The documentary also takes a look at the progress of black women in the workplace and in universities and the status of the black middle class. “The Black Man” evaluates the state of black men in America.
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