This year has been one of change, challenges and progress for Baltimore's Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture. In 2014, the museum's former chief curator, Michelle Joan Wilkinson left to become a curator at the forthcoming Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum was left without a permanent chief curator until this past October with the appointment of Charles E. Bethea to the post. In between that time the city of Baltimore's racial, economic and political issues came to light following the death of Freddie Gray and ensuing protests. The latter served as inspiration for the museum's inaugural exhibition, Devin Allen: Awakenings, In a New Light, in its brand new community-oriented Lewis Now space.
Ellis Marsalis performs at Lewis Museum's 10th anniversary gala/Credit:Glenwood Jackson Photography
It is amid this backdrop that the museum celebrated its 10th anniversary this past Saturday night with a lavish Harlem Renaissance themed celebration. Channeling that era's emphasis on rebirth and new arts and culture opportunities seemed apropos as the Lewis Museum looks ahead through the eyes of its new chief curator. Bethea described his vision as one of highlighting the connections between the African-American experience and the broader narrative of American history.
Guests at the Lewis Museum 10th anniversary gala/Credit: Glenwood Jackson Photography
"Some view African-American history in isolation but it is American history," he says. "Every story and interpretation will be done in a way that no matter your ethnic background you will come in and see yourself in the types of exhibitions we do moving forward."
Charles E. Bethea, second to far left and A. Skipp Sanders, far right, with guests/Credit: Glenwood Jackson Photography
To that effect, Bethea plans to pull from the museum's extensive collections and draw heavily on the African-American experience within Maryland from enslavement to present day. And as the city of Baltimore continues to find its way in the aftermath of Freddie Gray, Bethea wants the institution to remain committed to being a central place where ideas are exchanged.
"The community impacts the museum and the museum impacts the community. So this institution can open its doors to communities and be that vehicle for a lot of the social, political, and economic decisions that need to be made."
White House honors youth arts programs but check out these other ones too
In terms of awards it doesn't get much more prestigious than accepting an honor from the White House. This past Tuesday, 13 youth arts programs were presented with a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. The ceremony, held at the White House included awards presentations and remarks by first lady Michelle Obama. Organizations recognized included Rosie O'Donnell's musical theatre program others from New York City to Honduras that utilize digital technology, ceramics, music, writing and more to enhance the education and development of youth. A full list of winners can be found here. But also check out our list of a few youth arts programs equally deserving of the award.
Good Trade by Dennis Red Moon Darkeem, 2014 Artist in Residence at Longwood Laundromat/Courtesy: The Laundromat Project
The Laundromat Project
Laundromats seem like an unlikely place to engage in the arts but this organization makes the relationship seem like a natural fit. The Laundromat Project occupies laundromats and other everyday sites to deliver programs that engage youth in art making and community-building. Most recently they were tapped to be part of the annual Creative Time Summit, one of the leading conferences in the world discussing the intersection of art and social justice.
Girl Be Heard youth performers/Courtesy: Girl Be Heard
Girl Be Heard
This non-profit theatre company combines arts, advocacy and education to highlight global issues impacting the lives of girls from human trafficking to gun violence. They've performed everywhere from the White House to TED conferences and this past Monday hosted a send-off party for their participants travelling to the United Nations in Geneva to perform at their Future She Deserves International Forum. Oh, and feminist icon, Gloria Steinem, is a founding member.
Arts Horizons youth art making workshop/Courtesy: Arts Horizons
Arts Horizons
Few organizations can boast about having served 9 million children but Arts Horizons is an exception. Since 1978 the program has provided arts education to children and youth with a commitment to helping the underserved, such as those with special needs and hospitalized children.
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The weekly column, On the "A" w/Souleo, covers the intersection of the arts, culture entertainment and philanthropy in Harlem and beyond and is written by Souleo, founder and president of event/media content production company Souleo Enterprises LLC.