Memphis Tourism’s Post

Today we celebrate Juneteenth—the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas received word they were free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day marks the official end of slavery in the United States and honors the strength and vibrance of Black communities. While every day is a great day to support Black-owned businesses, we want to highlight a few exceptional Black brands in our industry that you should absolutely check out: ILE ILA House of Lines: contemporary furniture/lifestyle line hand-made in Nigeria Yara African Fabrics: beautiful African prints and design @Nicole Crowder: acclaimed independent designer and upholsterer Support Black creators, companies, and communities today and every day. #Juneteenth #SupportBlackBusinesses #GMFFabrics

I have recently had a number of conversations with people sharing their stories about art collections or their desires to become collectors. Many discussions have centered on the uncertainty of what to do with family art or how to begin collecting. I intend to share some tips, particularly for Black families, regarding the art-collecting journey. It is safe to say that Black artists remain highly underrepresented in museums and other collections which is why my focus will be placed here. Yet, collecting is for everyone! Many of the people I have connected with recognize that art has inherent value and wish to create a legacy for their families. Over the next couple of months, I will share insights I have gained along the way that may help those who are newly interested in collecting art. Today, I start with the obvious — art is more than decor. It is not just something you hang on walls or place on pedestals. It is an investment in culture, community, and generational wealth. Black artists, in particular, capture stories, struggles, and triumphs. As an artist, I can attest that having people from all backgrounds and communities engage with our work is crucial for sharing our stories and talents. By collecting art, you can: • Preserve history and culture • Build a valuable asset over time • Support artists and amplify their voices If you are new to art collecting, stay tuned! I will share all I know as I continue to learn about the significance of collecting. #CollectArt #RookieTips #CuratingOurCulturet

In the early 1800s, Black performers in the United States faced mockery and caricature in minstrel shows, while their authentic storytelling and movement revealed truths about the world, challenging stereotypes and reshaping the narrative of what it means to be Black in America. This legacy continues to thrive in Houston, where artists like Jasmine Hearn and Dr. Lindsay Gary are using their craft to educate, entertain, and empower audiences. Jasmine Hearn, an interdisciplinary artist, performer, and organizer, embodies the evolving nature of Black performance art. Her work, Memory Fleet: A Return to Matr, explores the living memories of Black dance matriarchs in Houston, creating original sound scores, choreographies, and garments, presenting a site-specific experience. Hearn's work is a reminder that representation in the performing arts is about more than entertainment—it's about confronting societal biases, celebrating diversity, and providing a platform for exploring the nuanced Black experience. Denise O'Neal, the executive director of Playwright, Shabach Enterprise/Fade to Black, is making it her purpose to elevate theatre production as a go-to resource for artists of color. She is the founder of Houston's first and only national short play festival to showcase new works by African-American playwrights. The Black performing arts space is growing, and O'Neal emphasizes the need for "all hands on deck" and "more people at the table" for sustainability and to create a better quality of life where the dreams of Black artists aren't positioned as a past time or a side gig but a way to provide for themselves and their families. What are your thoughts on the role of the performing arts in shaping societal perceptions of race and culture? How can we ensure that the arts continue to be a platform for representation, diversity, and empowerment? https://lnkd.in/gnMhjGVw #blackperformers #houstonartists #representationmatters #empowermentthroughart#blacktheatre #africanamericanplaywrights#performingartsdiversity

Think on how we present info to kids in classes, exactly like we present a mechanical Hare to racing greyhounds on a racetrack, adjusting the speed as needed to deliver the desired outcome. Your thoughts on a racetrack comparison in regard competition in edu? It is the same with health insurance, and with food insecurity, and with impoverished families, and with the education-system too.  We carefully monitor the number of developing children going hungry to be sure the number is acceptable without asking ourselves why we accept any hunger in any child anywhere, ever - treatable diseases left untreated - hungry left unfed - unhoused left unsheltered from the weather - WHY? Why do we fail to do these things in adequate measure? Why is it so important to ration the minimum needed to survive? Why are teaching & learning competitive sports? Why is having good health into a very old age by surviving bad luck & disease treated like a competitive sport, even including rewards & penalties? Competition has zero to do with education (or healthcare), period. If 85% of kids are physically able to read, then 85% should be able to read! How dare we blame students by presuming they cannot read because they haven't "wanted" & "deserved" it enough to deserve to be allowed to "catch" our reading"-Hare!" Why do we do this to our children? This is the root cause of all of these seemingly disconnected issues that result in poor reading outcomes. Why? Here is what to do:  De-Colonialize the grading system at K-12 & Universities! #ColonializedEdu is "Why" & you/we are the Reason that "Most Kids Can't Read!" --> 2LEARN is 2CHANGE:  What is #DeColonializedEdu?  #DeColonizeEdu! - YOU were FALSELY taught to think that the "#naturallaw" of "#evolution" by "#competition"& "#survivalofthefittest" "optimizes for fitness & survival!" FACT: "Evolution" does NOT work by "competition"& does NOT "optimize!" If 85% of 3rd graders are fully-able to earn an A+ in reading & math, yet only 30% can read at their grade level, then... what? - We must expect that all that can learn, learn - Expect 100% of all, equally - Go! Dear School Board Members/Others - Just use the same assessment pedagogy as do the #Ancient8 Ivy & #Divine9 #HBCU Universities! All of the most elite Ivy & HBCU Universities use (with varying fidelity) a de-Colonialized P/F (pass-fail) grading assessment pedagogy that expects 100% scores from each of their fully-capable students! What is a De-Colonialized (#decolonialized) Grading (#dcgrading) Assessment (#dcassessment)? This: If 85% of 3rd graders are able-bodied enough to fully-earn an A+ in reading & math, then 85% must be our goal as trained professionals, paid to do this. For real. All means all. Equity. Decolonialize. Right? #Ancient8 Ivy's + #Divine9 #HBCU's = #dc17 #decolonialized-17 #decolonialize17/#decolonialized17

Appreciating fine Black art involves a multifaceted approach that extends beyond mere observation. It’s about engaging with the art on several levels, understanding its context, and recognizing the unique contributions of Black artists to the broader art world. Here are some ways to appreciate fine Black art: 1. Educational Engagement Learn About the Artists: Understand the lives, histories, and inspirations of Black artists. Many Black artists draw upon personal experiences, cultural history, and societal challenges in their work. Understand the Historical Context: Black art often reflects the socio-political contexts of its time. Understanding the historical background enriches the appreciation of the art. 2. Cultural Participation Visit Galleries and Museums: Many institutions specifically focus on Black art or have significant collections of work by Black artists. Visiting these spaces supports them and offers an immersive experience. Attend Art Shows and Fairs: Art shows, fairs, and exhibitions often feature contemporary Black artists. These events are opportunities to see current trends and themes within the community. 3. Support and Patronage Purchase Art: Buying art directly supports artists and contributes to their ability to continue creating. It also brings the beauty of Black art into homes and institutions. Donate to Arts Organizations: Many organizations work to promote Black artists and provide them with platforms. Donating to these causes supports the broader ecosystem. 4. Community Engagement Participate in Workshops and Talks: Engaging in dialogues about Black art, attending artist talks, and participating in workshops can deepen understanding and appreciation. Follow and Promote on Social Media: Social media is a powerful tool for discovering new artists and promoting their work. Sharing and promoting Black art can increase visibility. 5. Critical Reflection Reflect on Personal Responses: Consider how personal experiences and perspectives influence the interpretation of art. Openness to learning and being challenged is crucial. Engage Critically: Look beyond aesthetics to engage with the themes, narratives, and techniques in Black art. Critical engagement can lead to a richer appreciation. 6. Academic Study Read Books and Articles: There’s a wealth of literature on Black art, from academic texts to more accessible articles and books. These resources can provide deeper insights. Take Courses: Some educational institutions offer courses specifically focused on Black art and its history. 7. Networking and Communities Join Art Groups and Societies: Being part of art communities can offer opportunities for learning, sharing, and discussing art with like-minded individuals.

Black History Month 2024 in London this October will feature a variety of immersive and educational events aimed at celebrating the richness of Black history and culture. From walking tours uncovering the hidden experiences of Black Londoners to exhibitions, music performances, and film screenings, the city is hosting events across its cultural hubs.   Notable highlights include the Black British Book Festival at the Barbican, which will showcase literary talents, and live music performances from iconic Black artists. Museums such as the Museum of London Docklands will offer in-depth exhibitions on Black heritage and its influence on British society.   Additionally, educational talks and discussions will explore how Black communities have shaped the capital’s history, from the early African diaspora to contemporary movements.   Walking tours, such as the "Black History Walks" initiative, will take participants through key sites around the city where Black contributions are memorialized and celebrated. Exhibitions at institutions like the Wellcome Collection will focus on the intersection of Black culture and healthcare, while others will delve into the experiences of Black women and their contributions to activism, politics, and the arts.   For art lovers, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with Black artists, from visual arts to photography, as galleries around London put on exhibitions highlighting Black creatives and their unique contributions to the art world. The month also features numerous film screenings, focusing on historical and contemporary films created by Black filmmakers or about Black experiences, providing a comprehensive look at Black storytelling across media.   Black History Month 2024 is designed not just as a celebration, but as a reflection on the challenges and triumphs of Black communities in the UK and around the world. The event calendar invites Londoners and visitors to deepen their understanding of the historical context while honouring the cultural legacies and future potentials of Black communities.   You have to identify as Black to enjoy learning about Black history. Black history is British history. I hope everyone will take the time to make the most of the many events running around the city, and the UK.   https://lnkd.in/etnX8VJx   #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #ReclaimingNarratives #CelebrateBlackCulture #LondonEvents #BlackExcellence #UKBlackHistory #CulturalDiversity #EmpowerBlackVoices #BlackArtists #SocialJustice #DiversityAndInclusion

The Power of Black and Indigenous Design: Creating Inclusive Spaces Join us as we discuss the importance of black and indigenous representation in the design industry. Learn how to create inclusive ecosystems and challenge systemic barriers. Discover the journey of a black author in negotiating and collaborating with a diverse design team. #BlackAndIndigenousDesign #InclusiveDesign #DiverseRepresentation #DesignIndustry #SystemicBarriers #NegotiationSkills #Collaboration #RepresentationMatters #CreatingInclusiveSpaces #BreakingBarriers

Understanding the lived experiences of Black residents in America is essential for fostering equitable communities. Our latest research highlights significant disparities in quality-of-life metrics, such as job opportunities and secure housing, with no place in the US where outcomes for Black residents equal those of their White neighbors. Catch the replay of our LinkedIn Live with Shelley Stewart III and JP Julien, for key insights into the challenges Black residents face and the transformative solutions that can create meaningful change: https://mck.co/3C5b22z #SocialImpact

Business Lessons from The Dean Collection: Giants at the Brooklyn Museum Across social media, I follow a diverse range of institutions: museums, galleries, creative communities, and educators from the US, UK, and the Caribbean. Among them, The Dean Collection by Dean Swizz and Alicia Keys at the Brooklyn Museum truly stands out. This exhibition offers a powerful lesson in fostering community engagement. The collection's focus is twofold: highlighting the artists' stories through their own voices, allowing their personalities to shine, and supporting the surrounding community through dedicated events. The initiative extends beyond the walls of the museum with community tours, creating a space for like-minded individuals to connect and explore the collection together. ✅Collectors as Artists, Advocates as Leaders Significantly, both Swizz and Keys are vocal artists themselves. Their "why" and "how" of collecting is deeply personal, emphasizing the importance of artist empowerment. As Keys aptly stated, her collecting philosophy is built on the principle: "by the artists, for the artists, with the people." ✅Beyond the Bottom Line: Building Community and Impact The impact of showcasing this collection, comprised entirely of works by Black artists, transcends financial gain. It sparks crucial conversations about elevating the status of Black artists within the global art scene, creating real opportunities for living artists of the diaspora. ✅Global Brands Take Note: Impact Through Community This initiative serves as a powerful model for global brands. By prioritizing community engagement and fostering meaningful connections, brands can generate positive social impact, which ultimately strengthens their bottom line. By embracing these lessons, businesses can create a more meaningful and impactful presence in the world. #deanscollection #aliciakeys #artists #community #brandgrowth #creativestrategy Creative Strategy MuseumWeekBusiness Strategy

The Power of Black and Indigenous Design: Creating Inclusive Spaces Join us as we discuss the importance of black and indigenous representation in the design industry. Learn how to create inclusive ecosystems and challenge systemic barriers. Discover the journey of a black author in negotiating and collaborating with a diverse design team. #BlackAndIndigenousDesign #InclusiveDesign #DiverseRepresentation #DesignIndustry #SystemicBarriers #NegotiationSkills #Collaboration #RepresentationMatters #CreatingInclusiveSpaces #BreakingBarriers