Vernā Myers’ Post

February is Black History Month, and to celebrate this year’s theme of “African Americans and the Arts” the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is hosting its annual month-long festival. #blackhistorymonth2024 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. Learn more about ASALH and African Americans and the Arts https://nuvi.me/6iihdb

February is Black History Month, and to celebrate this year’s theme of “African Americans and the Arts” the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is hosting its annual month-long festival. #blackhistorymonth2024 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. Learn more about ASALH and African Americans and the Arts https://nuvi.me/uh0asd

#BoltBio recognizes and celebrates #Juneteenth, the anniversary of the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the US. Juneteenth is a day for joy, reflection, and action. Not sure what to do in support? Here are a few ideas for consideration. #BlackHistory #Juneteenth #Culture #Inclusivity 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: • Join a local Juneteenth parade or festival or head to Galveston, Texas, to participate in traditional celebrations in the city where, on June 19, 1865, the announcement of General Order No. 3 ended slavery in Texas under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤-𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬: • https://lnkd.in/gNcecPe 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫: • Share your skills with initiatives that support racial justice such as educational and mentoring programs. • Give time to organizations like the NAACP or local Black community centers. 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: • Read books by Black authors, attend art exhibits featuring Black artists, or watch films and plays that highlight Black culture and history. • Visit museums such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture or local African American museums.

It starts with Understanding, followed by Empathy, and then Action.

As we bid farewell to Black History Month, let’s carry forward the spirit of celebration, recognition, and education. Every story shared, every achievement celebrated, and every voice amplified underscores our collective journey towards equality and justice. The end of February is not the end of the journey. Let’s commit to making every month a chapter where Black history is honored and made. Together, we write the future #blackhistorymonth2024 #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory365 #blackhistoryisamericanhistory #blackhistoryeveryday

As recognition of Black History month comes to a close, I feel an even greater personal conviction this year to continue to shed light on historical greats -365 days a year. This Black History month I read The Queen of Sugar Hill: A Novel of Hattie McDaniel.  Thank you ReShonda Tate for your book-https://lnkd.in/e3a9ResV and thank you Pat (Jenkins) Hurlock @HME for continuing to elevate the arts and provide a space where we can continue to explore and share greatness. What a treat to have author ReShonda Tate join us for a wonderful and inspiring discussion on Hattie McDaniel during Black History month.  Thank you for amplifying real experiences and your thoughtful work to humanize a life story in a way that all people can relate. Too often some aspect of Black history is slanted or muted so that which feels sad, bad or unpleasant is left to hang in the shadows.  The net is that the fullness of a journey often fails to be acknowledged or accepted as part of one’s narrative of what it may have taken to get to good, great and most often excellent.  To dismiss a story or portion of history which reflects a journey that may give light to one feeling marginalized, overlooked, and invisible - (the not so pretty part of what may look like success, + the stress )- well, not so pretty either for the one living the moment. The words shared above represent feelings that in many cases still come with great accomplishments in black history.  Too often - whether 1619 or 2024-  those same words above reflect the lived experiences forced to be pushed down and forgotten. I am - thankful for the many historic giants whose greatness whether Garrett Morgan, George Washington Carver, or Maria Maynard Daly support some of our most basic needs and for a Hattie McDaniel as an example who lived intentionally.  I am Indebted to my HBCU CAU and the reminder that no matter what - and no matter the fight -I indeed "shall find a way or make one”.  I remain encouraged by historical fiction as a vehicle to elevate and invite a fresh lens on greats visible - but yet too often - invisible as human beings.  Most important, I am thrilled that black continues to be a part of everyone’s history. #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth2024 #resilience #hbcusmatter

https://lnkd.in/g98UDKRw This Black and Indigenous Futures series in the HowlRound Journal: In this series, we will hear about the importance of rewriting dominant narratives, Black and Indigenous shared kinship futures, and intercultural leadership as a catalyst for change.

Honoring the resilience and strength of those who came before us. Happy Juneteenth! Let us remember, reflect, and continue the journey towards true freedom and equality for all. We are also still in a struggle to protect our freedoms; therefore, we must continue to advocate for the rights of our people and marginalized voices. This Juneteenth, we encourage you and your family to use your voice and actions for good. Here are a few ideas: 1. Support a Black-owned business. 2. Host or participate in a Juneteenth event. 3. Visit a museum chronicling African American history and culture. 4. Celebrate Juneteenth and Black culture through food, music, clothing, literature, and art. 5. Do artwork or crafts with your children honoring African American heritage. 6. Watch an educational program about Juneteenth with your family. 7. Support www.fearless.fund.

During my recent visit to the Library of Congress, I spent some time in the Join In Voluntary Associations in America exhibit. This exhibit puts a spotlight on how throughout American history, communities have come together to create organizations and movements based on their common goals and aspirations. Seeing this exhibit helped me to better understand the importance of civic engagement. Whether working with your community or working alone, taking actions to positively create change in the community is a must.  One part of the exhibit that I found particularly interesting was the Freemasonry display. Serving as a men’s fraternal association, teaching ethical codes by utilizing initiations and systematic rituals. Originating in London, freemasonry was first established in the United States in 1731. African Americans and other minorities were excluded from the organization. Because he was excluded for being African American, Prince Hall saw the need for change. A Masonic lodge for Black American men was established in 1784, which has since politically advanced the African American community in regards to better education and citizenship progression. As an art major, I understand that it’s important to document (photos, etc.) and preserve information about fellowships, associations, and organizations that contribute monumental periods of inclusivity, political and social change. As a Black man in this country, I can understand the importance of having organizations and places of fellowship that strive to achieve a common goal to protect members of your community and pushing for positive change (social and economic status) in political spaces.  #LibraryOfCongress #DCStatehood ReplyForward

This years theme for Black History Month is "African Americans and the Arts". There are great resources available from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture where you can learn about how the arts have been used as a platform for social justice. Resources can be found here: https://lnkd.in/g_fdaVCr One of the articles I really enjoyed reading was about Black Women Icons of Afrofuturism. Link to article in comments. #bhm #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #africanamericansandthearts #afrofuturism #blackhistory365 #blackhistoryeveryday #blackhistorymatters #blacklivesmatter