Julian Voloj's "Warrior/Peacemaker: A Graphic Novel"
The Jewish Art Salon, the Kraft Center, Be'chol Lashon and JWalks present:
Julian Voloj's "Warrior/Peacemaker: A Graphic Novel" with illustrations by Claudia Ahlering.
Curated by Yona Verwer.
The Columbia / Barnard Kraft Center, 606 West 115th Street, NYC
6-8 PM Opening Reception,
7 pm Q & A with Benjamin Melendez and Julian Voloj, moderated by Lacey Schwartz, NY Director of Bechol Lashon
March 5 - 20, 2013, Mon - Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-1
Based on interviews with former activists, Julian Voloj tells the story of the 1971 Hoe Avenue Peace meeting; a gang truce that led to the birth of breakdancing, graffiti, and hip-hop.
The central figure of this graphic novel is Benjamin Melendez, the charismatic founder of the Ghetto Brothers, who shortly after the peace summit discovered and reclaimed his Jewish roots.
"Warrior/Peacemaker" is not only a story about gangs in New York, but, in retracing Melendez's life story, it's also a tale about the Puerto Rican migration to the US, a history of economic decline in the South Bronx, and a coming-of-age story about a young man struggling with his many identities.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WPgraphicnovel
Directions: #1 Train to 116 St, Buses M4, M5, M104 to 116 St. M60 Bus from 125 St Metro-North.
606 West 115th Street, just west off Broadway.
Exhibits at The Kraft Center have been made possible through the support of The Sidney J. Silberman Endowment Fund and in loving memory of Sidney J. Silberman.