Titanic. The Exhibition Review

Over the course of human history, thousands of ships have gone into the sea. But only and handful have the same aura and mystique as the Titanic.

Titanic. The Exhibition is currently open in New York City. Taking the visitor back in time, the humanity of the ocean liner and everyone involved is revealed via personal objects, recreations, images, and stories.

This exhibition is amazing. Though the myth looms large, it is the people whose narratives are highlighted. From the owners to the shipbuilders to the staff to the passengers, no one is left out. Both respectful and eye-opening, it reveals that some things have not changed and likely never will.

One of the objects that stuck out to me was a necklace. The tale attached to the necklace inspired the 1997 film.

The most touching part was the final room. The panels contained the names of everyone who perished. Among the lower class were whole families of immigrants who decided to take a chance at a new life in America.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

Titanic. The Exhibition is open until July 16th, 2023. Check the website for tickets and entry times.

After Broad and Market Podcast Review

In a perfect world, justice always come swiftly and cleanly. But in the real world, that is not always the case.

The new NPR/WNET podcast, After Broad and Market, is the story of the murder of Sakia Gunn back in 2003. Twenty years ago, Gunn was an openly queer black teenager from Newark. After hanging out with friends in Manhattan, she was murdered.

Hosted by journalist Jenna Flanagan, she takes the narrative in two directions. In one direction, she goes back twenty years to hear from Gunn’s loved ones and the wider community that became her voice. In the other direction, Flanagan examines the positive changes that have occurred since her murder.

While I have enjoyed listening to the podcast, I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Gunn was still alive. One of the more poignant references they make is to Matthew Shepard. Referred to as missing white women syndrome, Shepard’s killing received nationwide attention while Gunn’s was barely noticed.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Rest in Power, Sakia Gunn. May you never be forgotten and may your memory be a blessing. Z”L.

New episodes of After Broad and Market are released every Monday.