This year officially marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
First established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson as a single week, Black History Month honors Black culture and the achievements and contributions of Black figures throughout history.
In celebration of the month, here are five current exhibits to visit.
Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room: Now available to visit at The MET, “Before Yesterday” recreates the history of Seneca Village, a predominantly Black neighborhood. Residents were displaced as construction began to create Central Park. The exhibit reimagines a world where Seneca Village was allowed to thrive. Motivated by Afrofuturism and the idea that the past, present and future are connected, “Before Yesterday We Could Fly” uses vision, storytelling and sound. Objects on display include everyday personal and household items, including an atlas chair, a painting titled “For Dodie,” a portrait cup featuring Zora Neale Hurston and a plate featuring Alma Thomas.
Continuum: Over 100 Years of Black Art: Featured at ACA Galleries in New York, “Continuum” has on display dozens of works by Black artists that span across almost a century. The exhibit’s main goal is to highlight the lasting impact of the work of these artists. Featured artists include Benny Andrews, Augusta Savage, Bob Thompson, Paul Keane and Helen McBride.A 1981 Jazz collage by Romare Bearden and several works by Charles Ethan Porter are also on display as part of “Continuum.” The collection includes different mediums, including oil paintings, subway graffiti, a plaster and acrylic paint on a wood panel.
A Committed Life: The Morehouse College Dr. Martin Luther King, JR: Available at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, “A Committed Life” celebrates the life and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. On display, the exhibit features handwritten speeches and letters as well as a sculpture. Curated alongside Dr. Bernice A. King, “A Commited Life” has a recreation of Dr. King’s previous offices. The exhibit also celebrates the people who worked alongside him in the civil rights movement by including excerpts by Rosa Parks and Jackie Robinson.
AAMP Presents: The Pearl Baily Showcase: On display as an online exhibit, the “Pearl Bailey Showcase” is an exhibit created by the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Featuring items from the Pearl Bailey-Louise Bellson collection, a collection containing the possessions of both Bailey and her husband Bellson, the exhibit has scrapbooks, letters from friends and fans as well as archival photographs on display. The digital showcase honors the career of the award-winning actor, singer, songwriter and author. Throughout her career, Bailey made history as the first Black actor to receive the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award as well as Special Tony Award for the lead role in all-Black production of Hello, Dolly! In 1988, she also received the Presidental Medal of Freedom.
Dear Mazie: Featured at the California African American Museum, “Dear Mazie” chronicles the life and work of Amaza Lee Meredith. Born in 1895, Meredith is considered to be the first Black queer architect in the U.S. Although she was not formally allowed to study architecture due to her race and gender and was initially a teacher, she has been credited with designing a number of houses in Virginia, Texas and New York. It is currently unknown how many projects Meredith has been a part of. Amongst her most notable works are two mansions in Azurest North and Azurest South, her own home and work place. Meredith is also credited with the founding of the fine arts department at HBCU Virginia State University. The exhibit is a way to honor her lasting impact as it features a variety of artists who were inspired by her. Contributors to the exhibit include Cauleen Smith, Emanuel Admassu and Kapwani Kiwanga.
