Tag: arts

Posted in Black Joy, Celebration, Holiday Celebration!!

Black History Month 2024

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Not only is today the start of a new month but also the beginning of Black History Month!! First established as Negro History Week in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, Woodson created this holiday to not “dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.” I also take this to mean that Black History Month while celebrated in February can and should be celebrated all year round.

As part of the celebration, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) establishes yearly themes that “reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community.” This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts.”

African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans.

ASALH-Black History Themes

This year’s theme really hits home for me as a scholar whose work encompasses the arts from a comic book and pop culture standpoint. I look forward to not only showcasing my work but others in the arts as well!

To jumpstart the day, see the following Black History facts:

  • In 1773, Phillis Wheatley became the first Black American poet to publish a book of verse.
  • In 1878, Marie Selika Williams was the first Black musician to sing at the White House.
  • In 1948, Gordon Parks was hired as the first Black staff photographer at Life magazine.

As you join in on this year’s celebration, check out these resources and tools that will provide additional insight into this cultural celebration:

Posted in Dr. G's Weekly Hot Topics, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Dr. G’s Weekly Hot Topics!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

As we walk into December let’s check out some new and exciting things happening in the world!! Check out this week’s goodies below:

A new children’s book that discusses grief and healing, the Many Shapes of Clay: A Story of Healing by Kenesha Sneed.

SNEAK PEEK-First images of the upcoming Luther film from Netflix!! I am SOOOO ready!! Luther is set to be released in March 2023. #LutherFan

Idris Elba in “Luther” Photo Credit: Netflix
Idris Elba in “Luther”, Photo Credit: Netflix

As archaeologists recover remains from the “Clotilda,” visitors can now prepare to visit the forthcoming Africatown Heritage House in Mobile, Alabama. As described by Mobile County commissioner Merceria Ludgood, the museum is “a collaborative effort to share the long-doubted, inspirational story of the Clotilda, its captives, and their unique place in the history of this country.” The Africatown Heritage House is set to open in the Spring of 2023. In the meantime, to learn more about Africatown and the Clotilda, check out the Netflix documentary “Descendant” .

Running, the arts, and Philadelphia…Mural Miles is a nonprofit running and art curation group, running (pun intended) on a “mission to inspire human potential through community fitness and art.” And their inaugural mural “Equilibrium,” was unveiled this past Thanksgiving weekend. The piece depicts two local runners, Aaron Leon Nixon and Valentina Viana, in stride alongside birds and a dog. Through this mural and other it is sure to spark a movement. To see the mural you can access it at 638 Christian St. in South Philadelphia.

“Equilibrium” artist Eric Okdeh Photo Credit: Mural Miles

Lastly, a new exhibition featuring photographs and artifacts from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture collection will be on display (opening December 2nd), Spirit in the Dark: Religion in Black Music, Activism, and Popular Culture. Visitors can check out the exhibition until November 2023 in the Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts (CAAMA) gallery. As noted by NMAAHC, “The exhibition spotlights the presence of religion in African American popular culture through three sections [Blurred Lines: Holy | Profane, Bearing Witness: Protest | Praise, Lived Realities: Suffering | Hope], providing a visual exploration of religion’s shadow in both the sacred and secular through images and artifacts.”

Photo Credit: National Museum of African American History and Culture