AMDA: Art as a platform for Social Justice: Black History Month 2024
February 01, 2024 - Featured, Spotlight
Today marks the beginning and commemoration of Black History Month! This year's theme is African Americans and the Arts, celebrating one of the core beliefs here at AMDA: that art can and does change the world. Art in all forms inspires, uplifts and preserves stories and voices that enrich our present and future while providing a necessary gateway to truth, justice and acknowledgment of the past.
At AMDA we stand firmly on the principle that Black History IS American History and we believe in the power of education and community. It was in this spirit that AMDA joined dozens of colleges, universities and organizations from around the country in a collective effort to discuss and explore what is needed for racial healing. If you missed the event, we invite you to Watch AMDA’s National Day of Racial Healing 2024: The Heart of Racial Equity and the Role of Art in the Facilitation of Racial Healing featuring keynote speaker Dr. Alejandro Covarrubias.
Institutions like ours have a responsibility to ensure our community, curriculum and productions speak to equity, inclusion and representation.
The History
National Black History Month originated in 1915, when historian and journalist Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). It was through this organization that Dr. Woodson (known as the “father of black history”) initiated the first observance of Black History for one week in February 1926. It was specifically chosen to include the birthdays of two iconic figures who heavily influenced productive change: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, ASALH expanded the commemoration from a week to the entire month of February. For years American presidents would issue messages acknowledging Black History Month but it wasn’t until 1986 when Congress passed Public Law 99-244 that February was designated as "National Black (then Afro-American) History Month.”
We invite you to explore the magnificent body of Black artists’ work in plays, film, books, art and encourage you to find ways to actively support the Black community beyond the month of February.
Current Films
Ava DuVernay’s Origin
Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction
Blitz Bazawule’s The Color Purple
Explore the Black Film Archive which is a guide created to show where you can stream culturally and historically significant Black films made from 1898 to 1989.
Reading
Check out Penguin Random House’s list of 33 books by contemporary Black authors.
Online Events
The Smithsonian offers a full calendar of events commemorating Black history in various ways including art workshops, virtual writing hours, meditations and cultural talks.
Let’s celebrate this month as a reminder that knowledge has power and there is no monthly limit on embracing Black culture!
The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The American Musical and Dramatic Academy | AMDA College of the Performing Arts
https://www.amda.edu/edi
The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) is committed to and responsible for institution-wide leadership to build, strengthen, and sustain a culturally conscious and responsive environment. The office provides resources, coaching, consultation, and strategies to help lead the college and conservatory and its diverse community toward a more equitable and just future through policy, classroom practices, activities and addressing workplace climate.