Black History Month is a perfect time to widen your knowledge of pivotal figures in our culture. There are myriad artistic creations we’ve provided to the world. From painters, sculptors, writers and photographers, we’ve made great strides in art. And not to mention, we’ve been very influential to other creators.
Often, our contributions have been erased, overlooked, or discredited. This new generation of artists, teachers and curators are working to put those voices back into the narrative. They look to expose people to parts of inventions that have gone under the radar. For Black History Month, Wilbur Wright College is taking us to see different Afro-Diasporic-centered exhibits in museums throughout Chicago. At the Art Institute, we’ll be going to the “Language of Beauty in African Art” exhibit. And at the Museum of Contemporary Art, we’ll be visiting the “Art in the Caribbean Diaspora” exhibit.
Language of Beauty in African Art will dive into sub-Saharan Africa’s prevalent artifacts and sculptures. Through the exhibit, we’ll learn about different African civilizations and the specific cultural ties that were born from them. In our educational curricula, we tend to only learn about one part of our history, and we only tend to learn about the horrors of our past as a people. We miss it because institutions don’t want us to know this information. They don’t want us to see that we’ve created such innovative and beautiful designs. This exhibit will benefit those interested in learning more about their roots.
Art in the Caribbean Diaspora will expose us to a world of artists who are Afro-descendants. They were sent in different directions due to the slave trade. When we think of Caribbean creators, we often don’t think to place the word Afro in front of it due to social indoctrination. Media plays a big part in the separation that has taken place from folks realizing a lot of Caribbean history is Black history. Our culture is webbed and fused through music and dance. From the Americas to the Caribbean, our roots all go back to Africa. It’s most certainly called the motherland for a reason.
Sadly, we only get a month to recognize and celebrate our historical contributions to society nationally. But that doesn’t mean your time learning more about your culture should stop on March 1st. There are centuries upon centuries of Black history to dive your curious mind into. There are sites like 101 African Tribes that give you everything from languages, foods, hairstyles, art, and articles of clothing that particular African Tribes partake in. Read up on a tribe per day! The Know Your Caribbean educational platform works to teach the public Afro-Caribbean history and culture that’s been erased. And lastly, The Free Black Women’s Library provides various books created by Black people across all genres! Further your knowledge and expand your horizons.
Be on the lookout for stuff that’s going on in your city and on your campus during Black History Month. Look up if your local museums have free days or offer discounts for college students — you might stumble upon some Black centered exhibits. Get together with some friends and curate your gallery, highlighting Black artists on campus. Form a group to research artistic contributions Black people have given to society throughout the years; the options are endless! Most importantly, your history education shouldn’t be limited to a month; make it a life journey to learn about the richness of your culture.
Alycia Kamil is a freedom fighter and believer of the people. She is a Freshman at Wilbur Wright College. Follow her writings, interests and more here.
