Denise Oliver-Velez

Inspired by the music and subjects featured in the series “Godfather of Harlem,” this documentary series brings alive the dramatic true story of Harlem and its music during the 1960s, and connects that history to our present moment.

We follow the story of The Thinker bombing at the Cleveland Museum of Art, trying to solve the mystery behind it because no one was ever caught. By following this case, we unravel the whole landscape of Cleveland and the USA in the 60s/70s - student protests, social justice movements, anti-war movements, and radical militant groups. We give a context to the bombing, which is symbolic on so many levels - it's an art piece that randomly became a target for political violence that, by being left unrepaired, became a reminder of the complicated history of the 60s/70s. The Thinker is a silent witness to this fascinating decade, looking down from his pedestal, still thinking about our place in the world as humans.

Inspired by the music and subjects featured in the series “Godfather of Harlem,” this documentary series brings alive the dramatic true story of Harlem and its music during the 1960s, and connects that history to our present moment.