Magicians can make things disappear.

If only they could eliminate racism.

Some performers are going to work toward that goal during Liberty Magic @ Home at 7:30 p.m. Friday for a special Black Lives Matter episode.

Philadelphia’s Eric Jones will host a live, virtual close-up event on the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. It will feature magicians Randy Shine (Ran’D Shine) and Tessa and Jeff Evason (The Evasons), as well as historian and comedy magician Rory Rennick for conversation and a few magic tricks.

Discussion topics include cultural appropriation in the history of the performance of magic and social injustice in the world of entertainment.

Jones, who has appeared at the Magic Castle in Hollywood and “Monday Night Magic,” New York City’s longest-running off-Broadway magic show, said via email that he was hesitant when approached by the Cultural Trust because he wasn’t sure if he was qualified to speak on the subject.

“I have experienced racism, and I do believe things need to change, but I wanted to make sure that I was able to use this platform to not only denounce racism, but to have productive conversations that I hope will educate those in the community lucky enough not to experience racism at all,” Jones said.

“I thank the Trust for giving me a voice, and was lucky to know a few other entertainers who look like me who also have stories to tell, opinions to share and lessons to teach.”

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A show of solidarity. 7 professional BLACK magicians from around the country have banded together in silent protest against the unjust violence and loss of black lives. Somethings got to give! “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious, is to be in a rage almost all the time. So that the first problem is how to control that rage so that it won’t destroy you.” - James Baldwin #blm #blacklivesmatter

A post shared by Eric Jones (@ericjonesmagic) on Jun 1, 2020 at 8:17am PDT

Jones said Ran’D Shine of Philadelphia, who performed at President Barack Obama’s inauguration, is “an amazing black magician who has made a name for himself in the college market.” Shine has a unique perspective on today’s issues, Jones said.

The Evasons from Toronto, Canada, read minds of audiences all over the world. They will discuss a multitude of topics, including what it’s like to be a biracial couple in magic and the challenges they have faced, Jones said.

Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Couple Tessa and Jeff Evasons will be part of a Black Lives Matter episode for Liberty Magic @ Home on June 19.  

Rennick, of Ohio, is considered one of the nation’s foremost experts on black magic throughout America’s history, Jones said. Rennick will give insight on how black magicians have played major roles in the story of America.

The majority of the people in this country aren’t negatively affected by racism, though they benefit from it, Jones said. The Black Lives Matter movement is designed to put a spotlight on the issues that have affected the black community for generations, he said.

Magic will be the backdrop for this episode, Jones said.

“Anyone with an open mind and open heart is welcome to listen as we lay it all on the line,” Jones said. “This will be 60 minutes of raw, real and meaningful dialogue. Systemic racism has hindered our community for far too long and needs to be torn down. This system of oppression was designed by whites, for the benefit of whites and can only be dismantled with the help of whites. We as a nation have to come together in this fight because all lives can’t matter until black lives do.”

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