Benefit Exhbition Preview of historic protest photos at Jennifer Jane Gallery this Friday

Jennifer Jane Gallery
838 Whalley Ave., New Haven, (203) 494-9905
May Day: 1970
Through May 1—31, 2009.
Benefit Exhibition Preview: Fri., May 1, 6—9 p.m. (Suggested $25 donation)

Press release

There will be an benefit exhibition preview this Friday evening for May Day: 1970, an exhibition of photos by Tom Strong and John T. Hill documenting the historic protest on the New Haven Green. The preview will feature live music by Moki Jam, cocktails and hors d'œuvres. Guest speakers will share brief recollections of the rally. Proceeds are to benefit future programming and exhibitions at Jennifer Jane Gallery. A $25 suggested donation is appreciated.

May Day 1970 in New Haven coincided with the country's political turmoil, anti-war protest, student strikes, and civil rights awareness. To tighten the focus, there was the murder trial of the Black Panther leader, Bobby Seale, which was underway in New Haven. Contrary to the response of most universities under political pressure, Yale opened its doors to provide support in the form of first aid stations and counsel.

Around the central themes of Free Bobby Seale and general political repression, there were other interests attached to the occasion—such as proponents of anti-war, women's liberation, legalization of pot, and animal rights. While for many this was a day of vital political issues, for others it appears to be more a casual day on the New Haven Green; a day to visit with friends, enjoy the spectacle in the sun.

Tom Strong and John T. Hill were two of many photographers who documented this event. Their photographs exhibited at the Jennifer Jane Gallery give a glimpse of the time and place— showing many of the leading participants, the banners, and general atmosphere of the event.