Art and Community: The HistoryMakers Black History Month Contest
The time has finally arrived. This passed friday I conducted the HistoryMakers digital archive contest. In a very beautiful gallery setting at Brandeis University artists had the opportunity to display a visual piece that was inspired by an interview contained within the HistoryMakers digital archive.
Chairs were arranged within the center of the room where conversations about the importance of African American culture, history and the mission of the HistoryMakers were discussed. Students and community members joined the space to listen to music, learn from one another, and celebrate art.
Educational material and HistoryMakers goodies were handed out, with a favorite being the HistoryMaker stickers that were amply taken. Students took the time to read about the HistoryMakers and many were inspired enough to mention that they were going to talk to their own professors about incorporating the archive into their coursework. The opportunity to pass out educational material on Cuba was also given, and students were very motivated about making connections with documenting lesser known histories, marginalized histories and the pursuit of justice trans-nationally.
The winner of the contest was Brandeis Senior Jasmine Purnell and her beautiful original work titled “Ode to Vivian”. The piece was inspired by HistoryMakers interview with the great Maya Angelou and was after the namesake of Maya Angelou’s mother, Vivian. I was sure to ask Jasmine what inspired her to create such a visually intricate piece, and she told me. Jasmine stated that she was already a dear fan of Maya Angelou before entering the contest and was very elated to see her within the archive. Jasmine stated that she found Maya Angelou to be such an inspiring and exceptional woman, especially in relation to her ability to withstand such a traumatic life, and the experience of being mute, which Jasmine herself said she too struggled with.
Artist and winner of the Art Contest, Jasmine Purnell and her piece, “Ode to Vivian”.
The piece was inspired by the powerful woman Maya Angelou spoke about within her interview with the HistoryMakers, specifically Ms. Flowers, hence the flowers on Jasmine’s piece. The piece itself was inspired by Maya Angelou’s mother, because she represented strength in the person. Jasmine reflected on Maya Angelou referring to her mother as “God” and was inspired by such feminine power. The quote that inspired the piece was that her mother was “6ft tall and rooted to the ground” and hence Jasmine’s piece resembles a root, but also, Jasmine was sure to detail, that the piece was also meant to resemble a spear, something to fight with.
“Ode to Vivian” By Jasmine Purnell
Jasmine’s Grandmother had passed recently and so she has been very reflective about the role strong, powerful and wise women have played in her life, and in many ways, her piece was an act to honor her grandmother. We were able to listen to aspects of Jasmine’s own story, very much in the spirit of the mission of the HistoryMakers, to take seriously and give voice to Black people to tell their own history and speak their truth to power.
The night was very colourful, fun, dynamic and was memorable and was sure to remind Brandeis of HistoryMaker’s presence on campus and the ease and ability there is to access Black History in a dynamic form that can bear fruit to community, friendship, art, and understanding.
