Philosopher, writer and educator Barrett Holmes Pitner will speak at Gallery 5 in Richmond on Thursday, Oct. 3, to discuss the Altar America Project, a cultural and ancestor remembrance initiative. The event, part of Gallery 5’s “Community Care Night,” runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with Pitner’s talk beginning at 7 p.m.

Altar America is an annual project that invites participants to create altars in memory of their heritage and deceased loved ones. Launched in Washington, D.C., in 2020, the project expanded to Richmond where it is held each November. The 2024 Altar America Project will include a music festival and art exhibit Nov. 2 at Gallery 5 and Art Works.

At Gallery 5, Pitner will discuss his work, “The Crime Without a Name: Ethnocide and the Erasure of Culture in America,” followed by a book signing and meet-and-greet. Representatives from the Altars Festival will be available to engage with artists, musicians and volunteers interested in participating in this year’s event.