Choosing Artistic Expression and Education Over Fear and Ignorance

Typically, one avoids posting news stories on social media of the actions of those who are clearly in opposition in matters of race and social justice. However, the recent stance of the political figure in this story is one that I not only as a DEI advocate but also as a lover of all things in the creative realm must comment. You see, I have had a pea-size, very small and tangential role in promoting. Yes, in the state of Arkansas which this individual represents in the US Senate. And for that, there is another side of the story to consider. And how troubling it is when ignorance and fear prevail. Here’s my back story.

Back in September 2019 which was a month after the New York Times published The 1619 Project I attended a racial reconciliation workshop at a church committed to social justice in Bentonville, AR. The faciliator in her closing remarks suggested to the participants that they may consider reading the The 1619 Project as community to continue discussion on racial reconciliation issues. And from there an idea was sparked from the work I had lead in bringing the celebration of Black Music Month to Northwest Arkansas (NWA). Long story short, I reached out directly to Nikole Hannah-Jones, the creator and Pulitzer Prize winner of the The 1619 Project with an idea of giving voice to her work as an theatrical execution for Black History Month 2020 (BHM). Nikole could not have been nicer and more welcoming in responding to the request and immediately connected me to NYT management for the necessary permissions to go forward. It could not have been a more positive experience with NYT in having this small spark of an idea being embraced.

And because of the relationships had in NWA, the cultural and social impact entrepreneur in one said it made sense to develop the concept there and then hopefully, roll it out in the future to other regions of the country. After a number of conversations and meetings with potential stakeholders in NWA ranging from the business, creative, educational and faith-based communities, it became apparent that a theatrical execution was not going to be possible to be launched for BHM 2020. But the creative and imaginative local NWA artist, Kinya Christian suggested and took stewardship in curating an art exhibition that would feature local artists whose work would convey themes on the Black experience in America. And also in the exhibition, themes of The 1619 Project would also be incorporated. With tremendous support from the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce and the Rogers Historical Museum, the beautiful exhibition “Reflections of The Black Experience” was launched. It was warmly and graciously embraced by the community. Several schools even scheduled field trips to the museum for their students as part of their BHM curriculum. Local broadcast and social media covered the exhibition with great enthusiasm and positivity.

And had the pandemic not intervened, I am sure the theatrical execution that had originally been envisioned, would have well been underway as several regional theater companies across the country were interested in partnership with the team being assembled. Note: Now that Nikole Hannah-Jones has partnered with Oprah Winfrey and Lionsgate, the little upstart theatrical project will not be overshadowed and still can go forward as we all adjust to a new normal for the creative and cultural endeavors.

But that aside, it is beyond regrettable that there are those who would want to thwart the actual reckoning of America’s past with its Black citizens. Reacting out of fear and ignorance. But we are ever so grateful to those who are coming together to tell the story in truth and honesty with compassion and understanding. Simply, to shed light and tell the truth.

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Previously Published on LinkedIn

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