Solange is sending students from Houston to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington D.C. The trip of a lifetime for these kids is happening through the songstress' partnership with Project Row Houses (PRH), a nonprofit in the Third Ward, one of Houston's oldest African American neighborhoods. The organization’s mission is to "empower people and enrich communities through engagement, art and direct action."
Due in part to a special donation made by @solangeknowles, PRH has met its fundraising goal to send Third Ward students to the @NMAAHC. We’re very grateful to Solange for her generosity as this gift will help support what will be a transformative experience for them. pic.twitter.com/0GrZwoRAc2— Project Row Houses (@PRH_Houston) July 2, 2018
The nonprofit, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, set a goal to sponsor a trip to send 12 high school students to experience the magic of the Smithsonian's African American museum. With a generous donation from Harvard's 2018 Artist of the Year, these brilliant students have an opportunity to immerse themselves in their history further.
“Seeing their community represented at this level will provide the students with a more profound understanding of themselves, their history, and their culture,” said Eureka Gilkey, PRH's executive director.
At the NMAAHC is a permanent display on the history of Project Row Houses, along with work by Floyd Newsum, its founding artist, which the students will get to explore, according to a press release by PRH. They'll also get to explore other breathtaking art in D.C., including the official portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama in the National Portrait Gallery.
Project Row Houses was founded by a few artists in Houston who've been strong supporters of the surrounding community's artistic livelihood over the past couple of decades.
It makes sense for Solange to encourage this cultural experience for African American youth considering her record of producing consistently dope Black Girl Magic visuals and aesthetics, and last year's performance of "Cranes in the Sky" at New York City's Guggenheim Museum, as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Festival.
PRH holds a significant place in the Houston native's heart as she spent her childhood performing at the organization's block parties. She's getting back to where it all started, paying it forward and inspiring the new generation of bold, black artists.
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