WE GOT A GRANT! 2022 Neighborhood Access Program

"Art is Business"  #DCASEgrants

We're happy to announce our selection as a Neighborhood Access Program grant recipient from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events! 

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announces the Neighborhood Access Program. This program aims to support the cultural vitality of every Chicago neighborhood via grant programs and partnerships designed to be responsive to the complex needs of individual communities. This program offers direct grants for community-based arts and culture activities.

Tactical Urbanism in The Horizontal Landscape "Soundscape Tapestry" exposes pedestrians to the experience of what is viewed inside the gallery creating a dynamic platform for large-scale installations, moving image works, and sound performances. This collaborative effort has put two artists, a composer/percussionist, and a visual/installation artist, in a space to create a new body of work that will draw on the inspiration gained from the environment of the Bronzeville neighborhood.

Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour 2022, Pedestrians viewing Experimental Films 

This funding will support Bronzeville's cultural vitality through collaboration with soundscape artist and composer Reggie Nicholson. The Phantom Gallery Chicago will build a sound and visual installation while expanding its body of work. The piece will be made by recording sound in the neighborhood (the "horizontal landscape" sounds) and then woven together with a new composition by Nicholson. The music tapestry will play alongside experimental film projections curated by visual artist Alpha Bruton. The piece will be presented at the Bronzeville Artists Lofts commercial space and at the corner of 47th and Vincennes. "a series of free public art installations." #DCASEgrants

Tactical Urbanism in The Horizontal Landscape "Soundscape Tapestry" exposes pedestrians to the experience of what is viewed inside the gallery creating a dynamic platform for large-scale installations, moving image works, and sound performances. This collaborative effort has put two artists, a composer/percussionist, and a visual/installation artist, in a space to create a new body of work that will draw on the inspiration gained from the environment of the Bronzeville neighborhood.

2022 AIR Composer and percussionist Reggie Nicholson Soundscape Tapestry

47th and Vincennes Empty Lot, September 16th, 2022  Tactical Urbanism In the Horizontal Landscape

We’re excited to announce Tactical Urbanism in the Horizontal Landscape "Sound Scape Tapestry," and the use of funds will be to Create a dynamic platform for large-scale installations, moving image works, and sound performances. This project was funded by the Neighborhood Access Program from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. #DCASEgrants.

Urban Juncture Foundation Wins $1 Million Grant

"Art is Business"  Contact: Sandria Washington, communications@urbanjuncture.com, P: 773.891.4159

Urban Juncture Foundation Wins $1 Million Grant from

the Mellon Foundation for New Arts Spaces in The Forum

Creative Complex at The Forum will establish locally-owned hospitality, entertainment, and cultural spaces in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood, Credit: Adrian Walker

CHICAGO (March 28, 2022) - Urban Juncture Foundation (UJF) announced today it was recently awarded $1,000,000 of capital grant funding by the Mellon Foundation Humanities in Place program to support the development of new arts and cultural heritage spaces within The Forum, one of the last landmarks of Chicago’s golden Black Metropolis era. The grant will significantly advance a portion of The Forum’s multi-million dollar rehabilitation and Urban Juncture’s mission to restore it as a hub of culture, creativity, and community by establishing The Creative Complex at The Forum.

“We are delighted to partner with the Mellon Foundation to move our iconic structure and historic community forward,” said UJF President Bernard Loyd. “This grant lets us take the next big step towards fully revitalizing The Forum, as it enters its 125th year and celebrating Bronzeville stories.”

Built-in 1897, The Forum anchored Chicago’s vibrant Bronzeville neighborhood as the epicenter of civic, social, commercial, and cultural Black life for over 75 years.

Since its closing in the 1970s, the 32,000 sq. ft. complex has stood equally resilient and defiant at the 43rd Street Green Line train station as both a past and hopeful future home to some of the city’s - and the nation’s - richest stories of Black life as told through music, cuisine, art, film and photography, dance and the infinite imagination that is Black culture.

What amazing stories would The Forum’s neighbors tell or create given the space and opportunity today? The Creative Complex at The Forum marks the present-day intersection that bridges The Forum’s legacy and future and helps the community to live, tell, enjoy and preserve those stories.

The Creative Complex at The Forum will occupy the three double-level storefront spaces at 318 - 322 East 43rd Street comprising The Forum’s “West Annex” and includes the buildout of four arts-based spaces:

● Creative Incubator (318 E. 43rd): The organizational and hospitality heart of the Creative Complex, featuring an aground floor cafe, shared office, and multi-media production space in the basement, among an array of support services designed to help local creatives “eat off their art.”

● Metropolis Gallery (320 E. 43rd): Will celebrate the Black experience in Bronzeville through an ever-changing set of art and historical exhibitions highlighting the work of local artists, historians, archivists, and other storytellers

● Hansberry Studio (322 E. 43rd): A unique community theater (first floor) and multi-use wellness lab (basement level) celebrating Lorraine Hansberry by providing high-quality learning, performance, and wellness opportunities to Black girls and women

● West Facade: The expansive rooftop covering the storefront spaces will feature “Train of Thoughts,” a year-round video storytelling initiative utilizing a 15 x 20 ft. screen on the facade

Urban Juncture is excited to collaborate with mission-aligned partners and local entrepreneurs like Gumbo Media, a Chicago-based media, community, and storytelling enterprise, to fully activate each space, bring the community together and support storytelling across mediums.

“We’re invigorated by the opportunity to establish a physical community presence through our new and first headquarters in The Forum’s Metropolis Gallery. As community builders and storytellers, particularly for Black people and communities, nothing feels more fitting than having an office that functions as a narrative bridge between Chicago’s vibrant past and a bold, revitalized future,” said Matthew Manning, Gumbo Media’s Co-Founder and Creative Director.

“But this won’t just be our office,” added Manning. “We’re calling this space the “Metropolis Gallery,” making it a home for community, expression, and storytelling that honors the past, catalyzes the present, and reimagines the future of Black Chicago, doing our part to rebuild what once stood here as a Black Metropolis.”

Urban Juncture Foundation is honored to have the support of the Mellon Foundation, the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities, for this project.

“By centering Chicago’s Black heritage and culture, the Creative Complex at The Forum will bring the presence and power of the African American community’s rich history, experiences, and creativity to help shape a more just community today and in the future,” said Mellon Foundation Humanities in Place program officer Justin Garrett Moore. “This investment on Chicago’s South Side joins other public, private, community, and philanthropic support and has the potential to elevate the

essential work of local artists, historians, archivists, storytellers, and entrepreneurs in conserving and enhancing their communities.”

To learn more about The Forum, participate in upcoming small group tours, or volunteer, please visit

theforumbronzeville.com.

###

About Urban Juncture Foundation

Urban Juncture advances the sustainable development of economically challenged urban neighborhoods. By bringing together community assets, particularly people, culture, and history, with like-minded external partners in a collaborative effort, Urban Juncture fosters local entrepreneurship, delivers needed products and services, beautifies the community, builds social capital, and facilitates economic mobility. Learn more at urbanjuncture.org.

"Community-Committee", of "Correctional Officers" and "Cultural Creatives"

"Art is Business" Press Release Shonna McDaniel's, Executive Director, sojomuseum@gmail.com,  [916-320-9573], William McDaniel's Board President NAYC & Andre Morris Foundation.

Awarded California Arts Council JUMP StArts

National Academic Youth Corps Inc. DBA Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum Awarded California Arts Council JUMP StArts Grant State funds support. With support from the California Arts Council, the National Academic Youth Corps, DBA, the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum, and Andre Morris Foundation, collectively as a "Community-Committee, of Correctional officers and Cultural Creatives," will use the arts as a Catalyst for BIPOC youth to transitioning successfully through the justice system.

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Arts Council has announced a grant award of $45,000 to National Academic Youth Corps Inc. DBA Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum as part of its JUMP StArts program in its first round of funding for 2022.

Our parent organization, National Academic Youth Corps Inc, has been actively involved with youth and young adults in the South Sacramento area since 1996 when it developed numerous creative arts programs and programs on literacy. Its purpose was to enable youth from culturally diverse backgrounds to stretch their minds and imaginations and provide a safe environment that stimulates creativity, promotes healthy lifestyles, and develops social skills.

Our joint goals are addressing system-engaged/affected youth who have been racially profiled, arrested, or on probation; and serving court-appointed education. Our project design is to help them navigate and transition to court-appointed anger management education and how to appear in their case review.

National Academic Youth Corps Inc. DBA Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum was featured as part of a larger announcement from the California Arts Council, with grant awards for its Cycle A programming totaling more than $31 million across more than 1,100 grants supporting nonprofit organizations and units of government throughout the state. The dollar amount is the most significant annual investment in the California Arts Council's 46-year history. 

"We are elated today to be able to say that, with this first round of funds, we are placing a historic amount of money into the very worthy hands of California's arts and cultural workforce—and with more yet to come," said California Arts Council Chair Lilia Gonzáles-Chávez. 

"We have long since understood the value of our artists in this state. We are incredibly grateful to our Governor and our Legislature for their support and share a like-minded vision for a California where all people flourish with access to and participation in the arts."

Organizations were awarded grants across seven different program areas within Cycle A. They focused on the CAC's efforts to address geographic equity, enable autonomy and sustainability for smaller organizations, and grow the strength of local arts agencies and their partnerships.

To view a complete listing of all California Arts Council grantees by county, visit this link. For a complete listing of grantees by the organization, go to this link.

# # #

National Academic Youth Corps DBA Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum (SOJO) offers programs and services that educate youth, families, and the community about diversity, inclusion, and history by engaging them in hands-on art-making, cultural opportunities, and educational experiences. Our mission is to open minds and change lives by exploring and celebrating African American history, experiences, and culture through art, wellness education, and outreach.

The California Arts Council is a state agency with a mission of strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. Through grants, initiatives, and services, it supports local arts infrastructure and programming statewide. The California Arts Council envisions a California where all people flourish with universal access to and participation in the arts.

Members of the California Arts Council include Lilia Gonzáles-Chávez, Chair; Consuelo Montoya, Vice Chair; Gerald Clarke, Vicki Estrada, Jodie Evans, Ellen Gavin, Alex Israel, Phil Mercado, and Roxanne Messina Captor. 

Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.

The California Arts Council is committed to increasing the accessibility of its online content. For language and accessibility assistance, visit https://arts.ca.gov/about/about-us/language-communications-assistance.

CALL FOR CURATORS! EVANSTON ART CENTER CURATORAL FELLOWSHIP

The Evanston Art Center is seeking curatorial proposals for the 3rd annual 2022/23 Curatorial Fellowship! The Evanston Art Center, an artistic hub on the North Shore for over ninety years, believes that some communities are all too rarely represented in the curatorial world. Therefore, the EAC developed a recurrent, project-based position for a curator to create an exhibition of their choosing to address this situation. The EAC is specifically seeking a BIPOC curator with ties to Evanston and the Chicago Metro area. DEADLINE:  Apply Today! March 6th, 2022

EVANSTON ART CENTER
Request for Proposals
CURATORIAL FELLOW
SECTION 1 – PROGRAM OVERVIEW & DESCRIPTION
Name of program:
Curatorial Fellow
Program Overview:
The Evanston Art Center (EAC), an artistic hub on the North Shore for over ninety years, believes some communities are too rarely represented in the curatorial world. To address this situation, the EAC is building a recurrent, project-based position for a curator who will work with the EAC to develop an exhibition of their choosing. The EAC is specifically seeking a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC) curator with ties to communities of color in Evanston and the Chicago Metro-area to create an exhibition, along with related materials.
The curator will choose the exhibition's subject, theme, and content, with the EAC acting as a facilitator. It is the EAC’s intent that such an exhibit will build new ties to historically underrepresented groups and
introduce Evanston and the greater Chicago area to new curatorial and artistic perspectives.
Supporting Evanston Art Center’s Mission and Vision:
This program serves as an extension of the Evanston Art Center’s non-profit mission to foster the appreciation and expression of the arts among diverse audiences. It also fulfills its vision to be widely recognized as dynamic art education and exhibition center that encourages freedom of artistic expression and enriches cultural life. The EAC strives to be a hub of artistic endeavors, a passionate advocate for the arts, and a valuable partner for arts initiatives in the Evanston community.
SECTION 2 – SELECTION PROCESS OVERVIEW & EXHIBITION POLICIES
Jury Process:
The winning proposal will be selected by the Exhibition Committee of the EAC, a group comprised of board members and external colleagues and allies in the cultural sector, including artists, curators, art historians, collectors, and gallerists. In addition, a personal interview with some of the EAC Exhibition Committee members, President & CEO, and staff will take place for selected finalists.
Evaluation Criteria:
The Curator Identifies as BIPOC
The Curator has a Strong Connection to Evanston and Network Within BIPOC Communities in Evanston.
The Project Plans to Connect the EAC to Underserved Communities in Evanston and the Chicago metro area and Specifically BIPOC Communities.
The Project is Articulated Coherently and Clearly
The Project Presents New Perspectives
The Curator has Interesting and Recent Experience Presenting Contemporary Art.
Personal Interview
Communication Skills
Resume and references
EVANSTON ART CENTER
Request for Proposals
CURATORIAL FELLOW
Application Process:
All interested curators must submit the following materials for approval by EAC staff and its Exhibition Committee:
Exhibition Narrative (limit of 500 words):
What is your artistic vision / proposed plan for a curated exhibition at the Evanston Art Center?
The exhibition will be shown in the Main Gallery on the first floor of the Art Center at the end of the
curator’s fellowship for a period of roughly 6-8 weeks.
Public Programs (limit of 300 words):
How do you anticipate or wish to plan public programs or engage the Evanston Art Center community
in association with your curated exhibition? Please explain. The EAC is eager to support the creation
of public programs and welcomes the curator’s ideas, introductions, and networking assistance.
5-10 visual samples of curatorial work
All visual samples must be clearly labeled.
May include examples of the proposal.
Proposed needs for your exhibition
Resume / Curriculum Vitae
3 References
Application Deadline:
March 6, 2022
EAC will notify selected finalists the week of March 14, 2022.
Finalists will be interviewed by the week of March 21, 2022.
Curatorial Fellow will be selected by April 15, 2022.
Expectations and Limitations for the use of the Space:
Exhibition programming, lectures, and performances are all welcomed and encouraged along with other forms of public programming during the exhibition's run.
The curator is encouraged to propose workshops and/or educational offerings that can be enacted by the EAC staff.
The curator should plan to spend a reasonable amount of time at the EAC to ensure service to the whole
community.
All sculptures exhibited must be able to be moved by two people. As the Evanston Art Center hosts many rentals in the gallery space, sculptures that require more than two people to move must be placed on wheels or on a platform for the safety of the artwork.
All material presented must be suitable for all age groups.
Key Personnel:
Logistics: Cara Feeney, Evanston Art Center, Director of Exhibitions
Oversight: Paula Danoff, Evanston Art Center, Chief Executive Officer
Exhibition Committee Members
Exhibition Dates: July 8 – August 20, 2023
Floorplans & Photos:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yxv4o6kbyt1x0f5/AAAhM56D7d1PkiqTmFl9BmYTa?dl=0
EVANSTON ART CENTER
Request for Proposals
CURATORIAL FELLOW
SECTION 3 – CONTRACT
Curatorial Fee: $2,500 payable in full to the curator over 4 installments after quarterly updates to the Exhibition
Committee:
1st Installment: July 15, 2022
2nd Installment: October 14, 2022
3rd Installment: January 13, 2023
4th Installment: April 14, 2023
Exhibition Expenses: not more than $2,500 payable as reimbursements to the curator for documented expenses.
Curatorial Fellow will perform the following duties related to the development and implementation of this program:
Write thematic copy to be used in external marketing and the exhibition.
Assist with planning exhibition-related programming and participating artists and Evanston Art Center Staff.
Propose and assist in executing events or engagements with the community.
Provide an itemized budget for reimbursement.
Provide quarterly updates to the Exhibition Committee.

The Evanston Art Center exhibitions and education staff will:
Handle and oversee onsite logistics related to installation-site logistics for signage and lighting.
Provide on-site assistance to curators and artists' city requests and scheduling.
Support and participate in the curator’s public programming/education plans.
In collaboration with the curator, coordinate the design and printing of all exhibition marketing materials, including press releases, postcards, and brochures.

Proposals should be sent by MARCH 6, 2022, at Midnight to:
Cara Feeney, Director of Exhibitions: cfeeney@evanstonartcenter.org

Californians for the Arts (CFTA)

"Art is Business"

Californians for the Arts (CFTA), the statewide arts advocacy organization, and California Arts Advocates (CAA), the statewide creative industries lobbying organization, are pleased to announce that Governor Newsom has signed the 2021-22 budget to include historic investments in the arts, culture and live events industries. In addition, on July 12, Governor Newsom signed SB 129 Budget Bill Jr, which amends SB 128 and SB 151 budget trailer bill, which contains more specificity for the grants programs for arts, culture, and live events. The California State Budget represents a bold and momentous investment in the arts, culture, and creative economy. The pandemic’s impact has galvanized and united a broad coalition of arts advocates led by California Arts Advocates, California Association of Museums, and the California Chapter of the National Independent Venue Association and backed by more than 500 organizations, businesses, and local government leaders --aligning nonprofit cultural institutions, for-profit small businesses, and the creative workforce for the first time to lobby for a significant investment of $1 billion for arts recovery and stimulus from the State. The budget investments of over $600 million for this sector are a testament to the strength of this coalition that will survive well beyond this pandemic. “We thank our Legislative and Newsom Administration champions, the thousands of arts advocates who showed up in support of our bold budget requests and the coalition that formed to lead the charge for transformational investments in arts, culture, creativity and live events, “ says Julie Baker, Executive Director of CFTA/CAA. “While the arts suffered more than most industries during the pandemic, it is heartening to know our sector has been seen and recognized for our valuable contributions both to California’s economic recovery and to our overall emotional health and wellness. California has an opportunity to be the leading creative state. With this level of investment, we are on a path to an equitable and just recovery for all creative workers and businesses to thrive.”  The budget includes: $50 million to Go Biz for grants to small nonprofit performing arts orgs to help with workforce development. Grants up to $75,000 based on budget size to help with: Employee expenses, including payroll costs, health care benefits, paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums. Contributions or payments to a centralized payroll service. Recruitment, training, development, and other human resources-related expenses. Other operating expenses or equipment for employees.  $150 million to GoBiz and CAL OSBA (Office of Small Business Advocate) for live events venues and businesses, including nonprofits and minor league sports. $128 million to California Arts Council, of which $40 million is for Creative Youth Development, $60 million for CA Creative Corps Pilot program, and remaining for local assistance programs and staffing. $50 million to Natural Resources Agency for museum grants programs. Eighty-one arts and culture earmark investments in local communities such as $4 million to Self Help Graphics and Art, $6.5 million to Destination Crenshaw, $8 million to Debbie Allen Dance Academy, $13,500,000 to the City of Sacramento for community reinvestment, and $3 million to San Diego Symphony totaling close to $238 million.

Sojourner Truth: The Forgotten History of the Slave Who Fought For Women's Rights

"Art is Business"  https://www.sojoartsmuseum.org/about

The Phantom Gallery Chicago Network has sustained during the COVID-19 Pandemic, due to the support of the SOJO Art Museum, one of the Phantom's network partners. Shonna McDaniel's has worked with me over the years, from 1990 founding member of Celebration Arts Visual Arts, 1995 to one of the co-founders of Visual Arts Development Project. She started her museum project in 1999.

Shonna McDaniels, a visual artist, and community activist, envisioned an institution to preserve Black history and celebrate the accomplishments of African American people and their legacy. As a result, the previous name of Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum changed to Sojourner Truth African American Museum. We offer resources to document, preserve, and educate the public on the history, life, and culture of African Americans.

                            Parent and Founding Board Director Ollie McDaniel's and Shonna McDaniels  

From the archives of the Resistance Library: Unsung Heroes The Forgotten History of the Slave Who Fought For Women's Rights 

 Sojourner Truth: The Forgotten History of the Slave Who Fought For Women's Rights Sojourner Truth was a lot of things. She was a slave. A mother. A wife. An activist. A preacher. A woman who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believed in, regardless of the consequence. A woman who spoke her mind, even when everyone around her disagreed. Filled with such courage and bravery, she could see the potential of liberty for all, even when faced with adversities far worse than people see today. 

Sojourner Truth was never a victim of circumstances, even though they were bleak for much of her life. When life knocked her down, she’d get back up, ready to fight again. She lived by her own standard, even though it was considered radical. She didn’t care. She was here to speak her truth, which she never failed to do. Even her self-given name says as much. 

“Sojourner” means “to stay awhile,” combined with Truth. To stay awhile in truth. To stand in truth. Many would say that’s exactly how she spent her life. 

  Sojourner Truth: From Slavery to Freedom Sojourner Truth was brought into this world a slave named Isabella Baumfree around 1797. Born on a plantation about 95 miles north of New York City, Belle only spoke Dutch until she was nine years old when she was sold, along with a herd of sheep, for $100. She would be sold two more times by the age of 13, when she found herself owned by John Dumont and his second wife, Elizabeth. The truth was not treated well as a slave and would recall her owners as cruel and punitive. At 18, she fell in love with a slave boy named Robert, who was owned by a neighbor. When his owner found out the boy was in a relationship with a slave from a different master, he was severely beaten, and Truth never saw him again. It’s believed that her first child, James, may have been Robert’s. Her second child, Diana, is most likely the result of rape by Dumont. Truth birthed three other children to Thomas, a slave she eventually married, who was also owned by Dumont. 

 In 1826, the year Dumont told her he’d grant her freedom, then refused, Truth took her youngest child who was still an infant and left the Dumont estate, escaping from slavery. Years later, when talking of the event, Truth said, “I did not run off, for I thought that wicked, but I walked off, believing that to be alright.” Two years later, when Dumont unlawfully sold Truth’s son, Peter, she took him to court. Truth became the first black woman to win a case against a white man and gained custody of her son. 

 She spent the next decade working as a housekeeper and servant, and in 1843, Isabella Baumfree had a religious experience. She converted to Methodism and changed her name to Sojourner Truth. She moved from the city and devoted her life to serving God through preaching about the abolition of slavery and equal rights for women. In 1844, she joined the Northampton Association of Education and Industry, a self-sufficient religious and abolition group that lived on over 470 acres, raising livestock and running a sawmill, gristmill, and silk factory. 

While there, she met many heroes within the abolition movement, including William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, and David Ruggles. Sojourner Truth: A Radical Among Radicals At six feet tall, Truth stood out in a crowd, but it wasn’t just for her height. She was a woman who said what she thought and what she believed in without reserve. 

She gave her first anti-slavery speech in 1845 in New York City and was soon considered one of the most inspiring speakers of the era. In 1851, Truth gave her most famous speech, entitled “Ain’t I a Woman?” at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio. Although it’s held in esteem today, the speech is surrounded by controversy. Given extemporaneously, the speech focused on not just being black, but on being a woman, something that was unusual even amongst abolitionists, who only focused on the rights of black men, not black women. The original speech was reprinted in two different local newspapers, and the phrase “Ain’t I a Woman?” wasn’t recounted in either one. But 12 years later, in a transcription published by Frances Dana Barker Gage, the speech had changed. “Ain’t I a woman?” appeared four times and the whole speech had a southern feel. This was odd, given that Truth was from New York and Dutch was her first language. 

But a southern dialect fit the narrative that was being created at the time, and after multiple publications of the speech by Gage, the modified version has stood the test of time. Truth’s advocation of rights for not just blacks, but women – and even black women – was considered radical, even in her circle. She was ostracized among the abolitionists, although she did remain friends with others within the equal rights movements, including Susan B. Anthony. 

 Perhaps it was also her unorthodox and no-BS attitude that made her unliked. At one speech in 1858, after being ridiculed and called a man, Truth revealed her breasts to the crowd to prove her womanhood. Sojourner Truth: Fighting Through the War and Beyond When the Civil War broke out, Truth did what she could to help the cause. She recruited black men to fight for the Union, and her grandson even enlisted and served in the 54th Massachusetts regiment. Truth started working for the National Freedman’s Relief Association in 1864, which led her to meet with President Abraham Lincoln regarding the needs of black people in America. 

 After the war, Truth fought to secure the promised land grants (40 acres and a mule) for t was unsuccessful in her attempts. She continued to fight for equal rights for both blacks the black men who fought in the war. She even met with President Ulysses Grant in 1870 brand women until she died of infected leg ulcers on November 26, 1883. Nearly blind and almost deaf, Truth spent her life fighting for what she believed in, regardless of the cost. 

Sojourner Truth: A Legacy Although Truth saw the 13th Amendment passed, she did not live to see women granted equal rights. Even so, Sojourner Truth has been recognized as having a huge influence on the women’s equality movement and that her influence helped pave the way for the 19th Amendment, which wasn’t ratified until 1920. 

 In recognition of her efforts, Truth, along with four other women and the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Procession, will be featured on the $10 bill in 2020, as part of the 100-year celebration of women winning the right to vote. Sojourner Truth was also memorialized in 2018, with the U.S. Navy naming a ship the USNS Sojourner Truth. She was the inspiration for the NASA Mars Pathfinder Robotic Rover, “Sojourner.” Smithsonian Magazine listed her in the “100 Most Significant Americans of All Time.” She has been inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame and her face has graced a USPS stamp. Although recognized as a hero today, Sojourner Truth’s life was not an easy one. Yet even when, literally, stoned and beaten, Truth continued to fight with words and with dignity. She stayed with her truth and worked to change the world. 

This tribute was written by Molly Carter Ammo.com's Resistance Library: Unsung Heroes The Forgotten History of the Slave Who Fought For Women's Rights You're free to republish or share any of our articles (either in part or in full), which are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Our only requirement is that you give Ammo.com appropriate credit by linking to the original article. Spread the word; knowledge is power! 

It's on!!! Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition

"Art is Business" Courtesy of Liz LaRue & Tiffany Malone

The Museum of Science and Industry is excited to continue its annual celebration of African-American art with the 2021 Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition! This year’s show will be opening a little later than usual, owing to health and safety considerations. The doors to the Juried Art Exhibition open on April 5, 2021.  We are now accepting submissions through January 3, 2021. Submit your work! Submit Your Work   %SENDER-INFO%     © 2020 Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. The Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the citizens of Chicago. msichicago.org     Unsubscribe

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It's on!!! Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition put on by the prestigious Museum of Science & Industry on Chicago's Southside lakefront is the oldest juried Art Exhibition displaying contemporary artwork of African Americans from all over the United States. The show was created in 1970 to celebrate the culture, heritage, and ingenuity of African Americans. 

The originators were staff members from the Chicago Defender newspaper. 

Here is the link to the 2021 Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition call to artists. It contains a link to the online application.

Call for Artists 2021 - Submission deadline for General and Teen Artwork.  Deadline January 3, 2021

BC2021 JA Call for Artists - Museum of Science and Industry

Tiffany Malone

Arts + Creativity Manager

Science and Integrated Strategies

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637

(773) 753-1765 | http://msichicago.org

Fees for general category:$50, College students: $25. Teens can submit for free.  Awards in general category: First place $3,000 Second place: $2,000 Third place: $1,000. Teen awards First place: $500 Second Place: $300 Third place $200. For more info: MSI Chicago/juried art. For questions: Tiffany Malone at juriedart@msichicago.org

Shonna McDaniel- Founder Sojourner Truth Art Museum Artist and Social Justice Activist.

"Art is Business"  Biographical Profile: The Artist Shonna McDaniels

Mrs. McDaniels is a committed “artist and social justice activist.

Founder and Director of the Sojourner Truth Art Museum (founded in 1996).  McDaniels is a professional artist/teacher/muralist and community activist, she has an extensive background in art instruction and mural designs.  She has studied under some of the finest professors in the Los Rios Community College network and master artists in the San Francisco Bay Area.  While residing in Germany, McDaniels instructed art classes for two years on military bases as well as organizing art exhibitions and programs.

Prior to 1996, Shonna McDaniels was one of the co-founders and artist of the Visual Arts Development Project (founded in 1988), McDaniels taught art classes, conducted workshops and organized art exhibits throughout the Oak Park and Del Paso communities.   She has donated art to various organizations as well as helped raise money for charitable causes throughout the Sacramento Region.  She has over 25 years of community involvement, with various organizations that support the arts through exhibition, artist residences, community activism, community murals and organizing community-based festivals in South Sacramento.

Ms. McDaniels has contributed to over 150 murals to the landscape of Sacramento, Stockton, and San Francisco:
These include among others:

• The Sacramento Redevelopment Agency Downtown Mural Project
• Marian Anderson Elementary School Mural Project
• Hmong Women’s Heritage Community Mural  
• Oak Dale Elementary School Mural, Totem, and Stepping Stone Project 
• 
  
• PS7 Elementary School Restoration Mural 
• Breadfruit Tree Restaurant Mural Restoration- Stockton, Ca
• San Francisco Farmers Market Mural Project (Facilitated by Precita Eyes) 

• County of Sacramento WIC Program Floor Mural and two wall murals 
• Magic Johnson Center (5 community murals)
• Florin Business Arts Complex/Sojourner Truth Murals Project 
• South Gate Baskin Robins Ice Cream Community Mural Project 
• The Greater Sacramento Urban League Tobacco Education Program (3 murals in conjunction with the Sacramento Metropolitan Art Commission Neighborhood Arts Program
• Franklin Villa Resource Center—Franklin Resource Center Para-Transit Shuttle Bus Project (8 murals)
•  The “Green Dream” mural, commissioned for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2007 Inaugural, for example, depicts images of a healthy California.  

The mural displayed at Cal EPA and the California Museum for History of Women and the Arts.  Several of her murals advocate against tobacco use, such as the “Tobacco Education Mural,” Neighborhood Arts/Franklin Villa Resource Center. Shonna also travels to other states and cities (New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Oakland, Stockton, Yuba City, and Napa Valley) to help with community public murals and outreach.

As an Artist-in-Residence at Marian Anderson Elementary School (Sacramento, CA), McDaniels designed a mural framing contralto opera singer Marian Anderson in various stages of her life and career.  She also conducted after-school and weekend art workshops.

Ms. McDaniels believes that the desire to experience and participate in creativity is essential to optimum human expression and development. Her artistic legacy within the community is renowned to grassroots, professional artists, politicians and the business community. Her contributions have been recognized by Council members: Lauren Hammond, Bonnie Pannell, Larry Carr, Mayor Kevin Johnson, Congress Doris Matsui, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Entertainer Russell Simmons.

Mrs. McDaniels is a committed “social artist-activist.” Her work is dedicated to creativity and social change within the context of an evolving, healthy community.

Personal Statement: My purpose as an artist is to leave a legacy for future artists. I want young black girls and boys to look at my art and experience something of worth, pride, and value. For this reason, I strive to have the essence of my work reflect dignity, strength and the beauty of each subject that I present. The education of youth for me is very important and I have spent a large part of my career as an artist educating youth.

I feel today, more than ever, that art is needed by young people as a forum for safe expression, communication, exploration, imagination, cultural and historical understanding.  Art is an essential, encompassing life element that has the ability to produce an environment with a productive, cultural exchange of ideas. In addition, art promotes the acquisition of intellectual skills in literature, science, and math. Indeed, art should be a priority in human development.  Art has the ability to inspire youth to be creative, think outside the box and use their skills to beautify their environment.

Daphne Burgess Thoughts on Utilizing Art as an Engagement for Change

"Art is Business"10/04 by Phantom Gallery Chicago Network | Visual Arts

Daphne Burgess Thoughts on Utilizing Art as an Engagement for Change 10/04 by Phantom Gallery Chicago Network | Visual Arts:

Daphne Burgess is an African American artist living and working in the Sacramento region. Her work has been shown in galleries and exhibitions including the Valley Artists Sculpture Exhibition, Sojourner Truth Art Museum, 1001 Del Paso Works, SMUD Gallery, Sacramento State University, Brickhouse Gallery, Crocker Art Museum, the African American Museum and Library in Oakland and the African American Historical and Cultural Museum in Fresno.

She worked at the Crocker Art Museum as Project Manager for Block by Block, as well as various non-profit organizations like the Roberts Family Development Center and Sojourner Truth Art Museum, increasing access to art in diverse communities. Daphne has been lead artist for several grant-funded programs through the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission including Young Enterprising Artists, Neighborhood Arts Program, Arts in Education Outreach, Artscapes, and the Community Arts Program.

Milton Bowen and Daphne Burgess, artist and partners 

Burgess's artwork is an exploration of ideas, including family, love, and self-image. Her passed artwork exhibited a more traditional and representational style, but her current work shows a more whimsical style. The use of abstracted figures, bold colors, and a playful tone characterize her artwork while tackling personal, social and universal themes including love/hate, the African American family and culture, and music.

Investigation: Thoughts on utilizing art as an engagement for change? Public Participatory Art Projects Allow the Public to Collaborate.

Panel conversation, Are Black Women Loud, facilitate by Daphne Burgess 2013.