PGAAMCC Presents: Winter Motherland
1st Annual Winter Motherland :
Get Cultured!
Tis the Season to Get Cultured @ Winter Motherland!
Prince George’s African American Museum & Cultural Center presents: WinterMotherland. A vibrant winter festival, that excites and unites the community around the legacy of black holiday traditions; Christmas, Kwanzaa, Junkanoo.
Our spectacular indoor / outdoor celebration showcases art, music, dance, performance, games, food and pictures with Black Santa, all situated in our unique ‘Buy Black Vendor Village’ for must have holiday shopping. If you’re looking for a vibrant welcoming local space to gather, buy black, give back andget cultured, catch the spirit of the Holiday season at WinterMotherland.
We are centering the legacy and culture of black holidays with a new kind of celebration, Winter Motherland celebrating holidays across the Black Diaspora; Christmas, Kwanzaa and Junkanoo.
DMV Santa services will include, personal interaction with guests, attendees and staff members, including reading Christmas stories, Kwanzaa recognition, sing-a-long activities, photo sessions, meet and greet and participation in some museum related activities.
Support Small Businesses!
Shop small + local by coming to our Vendor Village! Every Saturday!
**CALLING ALL VENDORS!!** We would to extend an invitation for artist, artisans, food trucks, etc to participate in our Winter Motherland activities. Click on the flyer to apply.
Explore the Region’s Premier Winter Festival
By Khadija Pounsel
Winter Motherland, a seasonal festival celebration will feature art, music, food and holiday shopping. The festival will take place at Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC) in North Brentwood, Maryland. PGAAMCC is a part of the Gateway Arts District, located less than four miles from Washington, DC; and convenient to get to for Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia residents. An arts and history based museum experience that seamlessly combines local history, arts, education, and social justice; PGAAMCC is excited to curate a season-long holiday experience that is festive, fun, affordable, and convenient.
To jumpstart the Winter Motherland festival celebration, PGAAMCC will host Underground Railroad: Bazaar Under the Stars on Friday, November 15th at 5pm. Live performances, vendors, music and food will contribute to a jubilant spirit of shopping, celebration, and diaspora vibes in the outdoor pavilion. It will also occur Friday, November 29th and December 13th.
Winter Motherland will feature a full slate of events, exhibitions, and programs. Visitors can partake Tuesdays through Saturdays beginning November 16th. Those interested in learning about the legacy of black holiday traditions like Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Junkanoo will enjoy Scholar Talk Tuesdays. Visitors seeking a DIY creative outlet to root out holiday stress and tap back into joy will find Art Therapy Wednesdays right on time. For those who love watching a movie with family and friends, Holiday Movie Thursdays will feature holiday movie favorites. Those looking to connect with loved ones and meet other families will appreciate Family Fridays. Those who want to pick up holiday gifts and support local artisans and entrepreneurs will enjoy shopping at Vendor Village and photos with Black Santa on Saturdays.
In addition to the daily slate of events, PGAAMCC is proud to announce its new winter exhibition: Uhuru Quilters Guild @25. The exhibition features the work of the renowned local black quilting guild. The work of Uhuru Quilters Guild is rich with artisanship, history, and tradition. The exhibition opening reception will occur November 16th at 1pm. The related public programs include a Quilt + Crafts Arts Panel Talk on November 21st at 5pm as well as a Quilt + Learn Family Day on December 14th at 12 pm. Educators who want their students to witness the Uhuru exhibition, learn about local history as well as the importance of museums and the arts are invited to schedule a field trip for a guided museum tour.
Ever proud to serve as an available space for the community, PGAAMCC is available for holiday party space rentals. The 3-gallery museum is a venue for company events, organizational meetings, social gatherings and more this holiday season.
Winter Motherland Festival begins November 15th
Visit pgaamcc.org/wintermotherland
Our family friendly black quilting + Kwanzaa exhibitions on display in our museum galleries, provides a culturally enriching backdrop for students to explore the historical and artistic beauty of the holiday season importance. Book your field trip today for children at your church, school, girl scouts, boyscouts or social groups to experience Winter Motherland! Email: ssmith@pgaamcc.org
400 Years: Jour of the Diaspora 1619 - 2019
On September 21, 2019, Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC) located at 4519 Rhode Island Ave, North Brentwood Maryland, will host an exhibition dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the first Africans who arrived in Virginia in bondage due to the transatlantic slave trade and its colonizers.
‘400 Years: Journey of the Diaspora 1619-2019.’ will debut with an opening reception on Saturday, September 21st from 5-8pm, and conclude with an artist talk scheduled for Sunday, October 20th from 2-5pm. The exhibition will run from
September 21 st - October 26 th 2019 and will include tours and programs. ‘400 Years’ is our roots and our wings. We are working with amazing local curators Tim Davis and Alana Theard to honor the personhood and lived experience of Black
people, then and now.
"Art heals and can be potentially restorative in the life of a community of people that has been mistreated and is now coming full circle to a place of pride and power.”
-Executive Director Monica O. Montgomery, states.
Curators Tim Davis and Alana Theard have organized an exhibition from artists of the African Diaspora, to create a visual
journey into the spirit and soul of the descendants of African people who were snatched from the shores of their Motherland. This show brings together interdisciplinary and intergenerational artists to commemorate the 400 years since
the enslavement of African people in the United States.
"My hope is that this exhibition (400) 1619-2019, Journey of Diaspora will bring light to a dark time in history of an enslaved people. Through art we can bring more awareness and give voice to make a difference on the continued struggle for freedom"
-Co-curator Tim Davis states.
#GivingBlackDay x PGAAMCC
#GivingBlackDay x PGAAMCC
DMV Black History Museum joins national day of giving for 10th Anniversary Campaign
North Brentwood, MD (August 8, 2019)– On August 28, 2019, Prince George’s African American Museum and
Cultural Center (PGAAMCC) will be joining #GivingBlackDay, a national day of giving focused on supporting black
and black-benefiting organizations. This strategic alliance comes on the heels of their kickoff to the 10th
Anniversary Campaign ‘The Story Continues’. It is important that we practice collective conscious driven Black
giving to set examples for future generations. #GivingBlackDay is also unique, in that it falls on August 28, a day
chosen due to its historical significance. Did you know that on:
- August 28, 1955: 14-year-old Emmett Till was brutally murdered by three white men, which became a “flashpoint in the civil rights movement.”
- August 28, 1963: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech in Washington, D.C.
- August 28, 2005: Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. The storm, which devastated New Orleans, inordinately impacted many of the city’s black residents.
- August 28, 2008: Then-Senator Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president, becoming the first black man to ever win the nomination and bid for the presidency.
- And on August 28, 2019: PGAAMCC will host an entire day dedicated to giving in support of our community! Our campaign will run until November 30th!
PGAAMCC, Executive Director Monica. O. Montgomery, shared “Our 10th Anniversary theme ‘The Story Continues’
means we have many chapters yet to write as we envision the future of our museum and we need everyday
people to donate generously and share ideas helping to author the next page of our story at PGAAMCC. We
proudly celebrate 10 years located in Prince George’s County as a cultural and community resource – a place
where all can learn, create, and connect, serving as ‘A Home for Black Excellence!”
Check out our #GivingBlack Crowdfunding Page
Check out our#GivingBlack Donation Page
PGAAMCC joined forces with the #GivingBlackDay movement to promote the importance of Black giving and to
proudly proclaim #BlackMuseumsMatter. “We know that giving back to spaces that honor our personhood and
lived experience is a great and worthy investment; and our strongest asset to build institutions that are FUBU (For
Us by Us) which has an immediate positive impact on our communities. To show how important our culture,
traditions, wealth, and sustainability matter, we give back and we give Black.” GivingBlackDay website.
Donating to PGAAMCC on #GivingBlackDay will support our upcoming events, family experiences and future
exhibitions. To support our #GivingBlackDay campaign –
It takes 2 steps:
1. On August 28th Donate + 2. Share your support on social media.
Tag us in your posts using #Pgaamcc10 #BlackExcellence and #GivingBlackDay to join the national black giving community.
Visit www.pgaamcc.org/10th to witness our milestones, receive campaign updates and donate on #GivingBlackDay.
PGAAMCC Welcomes New Artist-in-Residence Vanessa R. Williams
PGAAMCC Welcomes New Artist-in-Residence
Vanessa R. Williams
Article By Khadija Pounsel
“This is where I live, where I feel safe, comfortable, free to do what I want within reason, not rushed, not forced. I can just be me in an artist’s capacity,” says Vanessa R. Williams of her new post as artist-in-residence of the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC) in North Brentwood, MD. As she sits before an easel painting the finishing strokes of a portrait of the late South African president Nelson Mandela, the Prince George’s County resident is in her element. “I just like making art. If someone wants to come and sit and watch, that’s great.” And watch they do – students and adults alike approach to watch and ask her questions.
Holding conversations is just what the Howard University graduate, children’s book illustrator, and former elementary school art teacher envisions for the residency. “I want it to be meaningful. I see children and students here. It is a place where I can share my love of reading aloud. It’s a welcoming place. In the same vein I was welcomed here.”
“I have two ways to speak: singing or drawing/painting.” As a gospel singer, Williams has toured with Richard Smallwood and Vision and the Black church figures prominently in her work. Having painted for 25 years, Williams wrestled with having enough creative confidence to think her paintings worthy of display. That all changed when she came to an Art of Business event at PGAAMCC. The exhibition Catharsis: Spirit Leaves a Mark, running through the Fall at PGAAMCC, features her vibrant work in all its glory: Black women, Black church, music, and African symbols. “The opening of Catharsis was really special. Prince George’s County is home to some really great, alive, contributing people,” says Williams before she names some of the Prince George’s County residents who attended the opening, including composer and pianist Richard Smallwood, piano manufacturer Warren Shadd, music director Vince Evans, and songwriter Raymond Reeder.
Of PGAAMCC, Williams is clear – “I felt at home immediately. I am determined that people know it's here. I want it to be a place where people know doors are open to listen, create, study. It is my hope that it becomes a home for other people. I want the next artist to know if you are a resident, native of Prince George’s County, we want to see you or hear from you.”
Catharsis: Spirit Leaves a Mark on view through Fall 2019 at PGAAMCC.
PGAAMCC Welcomes New Cultural Ambassador Vance “Head-Roc” Levy
PGAAMCC Welcomes New Cultural Ambassador Vance “Head-Roc” Levy
Article by Khadija Pounsel
“Our lives have value,” says Vance “Head-Roc” Levy on a hot and humid August day in North Brentwood, MD. The genre-crossing 20-year music veteran with his entrepreneurial approach (he executive produced all 6 of his solo albums) who continues to work with his critically acclaimed award-winning funk/rock/soul band GODISHEUS (gotta-see-us) has stepped into a new role − Cultural Ambassador for Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC) in North Brentwood, MD.
Head-Roc speaks warmly of his ties to Prince George’s County: his family was a part of the exodus of African Americans who moved from Washington, DC to Prince George’s County in the early 1980s; he attended Prince George’s County schools, and has lived in Hillcrest Heights, Marlow Heights and Temple Hills. “I began to understand and connect the national significance of local Black history, anchored on our educational development, with much happening along the Route 1 Corridor. Included in that education is learning that PGAAMCC’s existence was championed by the late Honorable Gwendolyn Britt,” the mother of his fellow Infinite Loop member John Britt.
Inspired by the work of the late senator, “The Route 1 Corridor is where I’ve been led to be active in my arts and social engagement pursuits. I have been meditating on a way to become more involved along the Gateway Arts District,” says the Crossland High School graduate. “I even share the same barber with some proud and involved citizens of North Brentwood – often engaging them in discussions on how to create/attract more attention to the cultural corridor and business that will benefit the community.”
As PGAAMCC kicks off a 10th anniversary campaign, Vance is joining the momentum to launch a new cultural offering - Underground Railroad: Bazaar Under the Stars. The endeavor he is spearheading will bring a festive spirit of shopping, celebration and diaspora vibes, featuring a curated selection of vendors, food, and crafts in the museum’s outdoor pavilion (3rd Fridays throughout the fall 2019). The event name nods to Route 1 as a historic North/South route pathway and to the railroad that runs just behind the museum. Underground Railroad: Bazaar Under the Stars Designed to be a vibrant and lively destination where people can pick up a bite to eat, enjoy a bit of retail therapy, and jump start the weekend with neighbors, future friends and fellow County residents. Most importantly the event will feature a ‘community spotlight’, with neighborhood living legends and local icons, nominated by their community, being honored for their contributions. “I am optimistic and dedicated to the work necessary that will attract an increased and sustained interest in the cultural and artistic excellence of Black Americans with roots and of contribution to Prince George’s County, Maryland.”
For more information on upcoming PGAAMCC 10th anniversary
Juneteenth More than A Month Festival! Thank you for supporting PGAAMCC!
Over the course of our 4 day innaugural #MoreThanAMonth Juneteenth festival, approximately 1000 people joined in the festivities as our grassroots outreach grows and cultural programming expands. Thank you for choosing to celebrate Juneteenth with PGAAMCC. In the footsteps of our great heroes that paved the way we honored their legacy and dedication to uplifting our Black communities. We sang, we danced, we cried, we uplifted and we shared. We are 'A Home for Black Excellence'. Our More Than a Month Festival highlighted the brilliance, talent and creativity of our African American community in Prince George's County and the DMV. Special thanks to our program partners; Jess Be Creative, Creators Coallition, Onustees, participating artists, and our vendors. See more pictures here.
UStreet to the Cotton Club x Black Culture Panel Discussion
We brought the U Street to the Cotton Cub to Prince George’s County. Local talents, Krislynn Perry, Nigel Rowe and Reenie Codelka on piano played hit tunes, such as: Minnie The Moocher, I've Got The World on A String, Stormy Weather, Ain't Misbehavin' & More!
We also enjoyed a panel discussion on the importance of Black holidays and Black traditions, Black education and its connection to our tradition, history, and liberation, educational equity in schools. The ‘For the Culture’ conversation moderated by Tamara Jade with Andre Taylor, Elena Branker, Jahari Shelton, Marcus Cook, Jessica Randolph, Billy Sanders & Tony Keith.
The Observable Universe
Our Observable Universe panel discussion, moderated by Sinatra Smith, was an intimate conversation about time travel, returning to the motherland and Black music as a connective force across time and space. In this disucssion we collectively illustrated an alternate universe, how we would function, what parts of our culture we would bring, which parts would be left out, and why.
We also enjoyed the DMV Youth Art Pop Up gallery 'Voices' with EYL 365 Project teaching artists, students and collaborative projects. ‘Voices’ displayed work from “Enjoy Your Life” (EYL) 365, a grass-roots art project whose mission is to engage youth by exploring the creative process as they grow to understand society, their roles within it, and their capacity to change society through civic youth engagement, advocacy and arts initiatives. The artwork centered on mental health, community, social, and economic empowerment and self reflection.
Summer Solstice Fashion Show
Thursday was a day of Black beauty, creativity and expression. Our fashion show featured artist Quest Skinner who brought vibrant, colorful, decadent, and transformative designs to PGAMCC. Her style is “influenced by seeing ourselves as a full spectrum of colors, shapes, and spirits. The clothing collection is West African, Apache, and modern infused fabrics with lines that flatter all shapes and sizes”.
We were so happy to have dancers in our space. We enjoyed a performance by Alexis Miller with dancers Faith Kelly, Jasmine Ventura, and Marya Wallace from Dance Institute of Washington. They performed to a song remixed to Maya Angelou’s Ain’t I A Woman that empowered our audience’s.
Block Party
Photos by: Rodney Norman of @laphoric
Our culminating event was our Block Party. Program partners Onustees, Jess Be Creative and Creators Coalition brought dynamic performances and panelists to our space. We had workshops and incredible vendors. PGAAMCC was buzzing with activity. Inside our gallery we had a pop-up exhibition by EYL 365 and our Community Treasure Chest. Community Treasure Chest will continue all summer, register HERE. Outside we had fun for all ages with a Dino sprinkler, jump ropes, double dutch, sidewalk chalk, bouncing balls, face painting and the I'm Bookd Box mobile book store. We were so honored to close out the day with a special performance by Mosaic Theater Singers hailing from Detroit Michigan. They graced our space with vibrant songs of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, gospel, African hymns and hit music from every genre influenced by the African Diaspora. Black History and culture never looked so good at PGAAMCC.
Thank you so much for being a supporter. We are excited to bring more dynamic programming to Prince George's County, illuminate, inspire and empower audiences. Stay tuned for more!
We want to hear your ideas as we work to constantly shape the museum to meet your needs and interests. We are 'A Home for Black Excellence' and your feedback is welcomed. This survey will take approximately 5 minutes.
Click here to take the survey!
Do More 24! May 22-23rd 24-Hour Fundraiser for Community Treasure Chest Initiative
DONATE TODAY
Do More 24 Fundraiser for ‘Community Treasure Chest Oral Histories Initiative’
North Brentwood, MD (May 22, 2019) - Wednesday, May 22-23rd Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC) is asking for your generous support. Do More 24 is the DMV's largest annual 24-hour online fundraiser to donate to charities and contribute to communities. Our goal is to raise $4519 by May 24th and we need your help! Make a donation to PGAAMCC today to help us continue preserving the rich history and culture in Prince George's County through our Community Treasure Chest Oral Histories Initiative.
We are launching Community Treasure Chest initiative to highlight the rich undiscovered history in our backyards. In an effort to use our momentum to support our mission, this initiative will allow residents to explore their own shared histories and increase the Museum’s community engagement. Community Treasure Chest creates an opportunity for senior citizens to honor their family heirlooms and share the accompanying oral histories. PGAAMCC will host these Antique Roadshow styled events at malls, senior centers, and other community spaces so that residents can bring their personal objects to be recorded and preserved, and possibly archived. Participant will have the opportunity to tour the museum’s archives and artifacts.
It is our mission to preserve the local histories of the families that have lived and contributed to the Prince George’s County community. The oral histories are an opportunity to document individual and collective histories and inspire innovative ways to highlight and honor the joy, resilience, and triumph of African Americans in Prince George’s County. This initiative is the first step in digitizing and expanding our permanent archival collection.
Through the Do More 24 Campaign we are asking supporters to donate to our mission, our work and our commitment to the African American community in Prince George’s County.
We want to hear YOUR stories and uncover hidden histories. How did your family come to settle here? What treasures did they leave? Share them with us!
Community Treasure Chest will occur in the following towns throughout the County: North Brentwood, Glenarden, Beltsville, Landover, Fairmount Heights, Greenbelt, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Suitland, Accokeek, Oxon Hill, Brandywine, Aquasco, and Eagle Harbor.
Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center is a rich and celebrated treasure of the Gateway Arts District and model for cultural origination, brining attention, prestige, and business development to the local North Brentwood, Prince George’s County Community. Through public events and exhibitions PGAAMCC explores the Black experience within a variety of contexts – history, arts and culture, ethnicity, religion, spirituality, faith, folk tradition and customs. We appreciate your support during this pivotal point of the Museum’s success.
The Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center is recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative approach to the documentation, interpretation, preservation, and presentation of local and regional African American history, art, and culture. PGAAMCC is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-5pm. Admission to the museum is free. For more information, call (301) 809-0440, email programs@pgaamcc.org, or visit the Museum’s website at www.pgaamcc.org.
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PG Power Moves! Press Release
PG Power Moves!
Event Date: Friday, March 22, 2019 / 5:30-8:30-pm
Location: 4519 Rhode Island Ave. North Brentwood, MD 20722
Website: pgaamcc.org/supportus
On March 22, 2019, PGAAMCC launched its first PG Power Moves! Program, honoring Pastor Omo Ghandi-Olaoye of Jesus House DC. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Pastor Omo was the recipient of a PG Power Mover Award, for her dedication to serving women as the founder of Jesus House Women’s Ministries of Jesus House DC. Pastor Omo’s ministry addresses pertinent issues of womanhood from birth to old age and their outreach provides services and resources for over 5,000 women locally. Pastor Omo was given a certificate, an original piece of art by Quest Skinner, and a space grant to host a community event for her ministry. A local DJ provided entertainment for the evening and PGAAMCC’s galleries were filled with over 55 guests from the Jesus House DC congregation and neighboring communities. For many, it was their first time entering our space. The PGAAMCC staff were welcoming and visitors meandered through the space observing the contemporary art and historical archives. Pastor Omo arrived to music, a red carpet, and a cameraman. The staff made collages of Pastor Omo, her family, and the congregation, with the goal of ensuring she felt honored and the members of her ministry welcomed her with dance.
All enjoyed the space, and took time indulging the artwork talking, and communing with one another. In addition to the two art exhibitions: Protest Garden and Soul Illuminance: A Retrospective of Quest Skinner, the night highlighted artist Kayode Malomo. Over a dozen of his pieces were on display, decorating the main convening gallery. art appreciation and art patronage is part of the unique value proposition of PG Power Moves and all are encourage to buy, behold and celebrate the featured artist works on display in our silent auction.
After Executive Director, Monica O. Montgomery offered a warm welcome, Pastor Omo Ghandi-Olaoye gave a keynote speech describing her dedication to women and the extensive ways she serves and centers women in the local community. The environment was electric. Volunteers connected with guests at the membership table and guests stopped to pick up fliers and hear more about our upcoming programming. This event was a beautiful way to honor Pastor Omo and welcome the congregation of Jesus House DC to PGAAMCC. Thanks to all who came to support and honor Pastor Omo Ghandi-Olaoye’s community impact.
HEALING | MINDFULNESS | JOY | JUSTICE
Through song and storytelling Dr. Michelle Chatman takes us on an ancestral journey and shares her practices in mindfulness. DC born and Prince George’s County resident, Chatman has ventured to Gambia, West Africa where her contemplative work has inspired practice of present-moment, non-judgmental awareness, and promotion of overall well-being. African descendants have long held mindful cultural practices to sustain us through challenges and triumph. She brings to light the daily practices and routines that could enhance the way we interact and excel in every-day life. Her song and stories captivate the spirit of West Africa and a transformative journey in mindfulness.
Click here to watch Chatman’s performance.
“I visited The Gambia, West Africa, for the first time in my mid-twenties while in college. I had only been on a plane once and had never traveled outside of the US. A self-proclaimed Pan Africanist, I couldn’t wait to go back to “The Motherland” and reclaim my ancestral heritage while working with youth and schools throughout the country. The six-week trip was deeply transformative. I was able to witness the majestic beauty along with the painful inequity of that country. I still speak of the experience as if it were yesterday. I began to learn how to really listen, still myself, and embrace the living all around me. I’ve been back to The Gambia several times since that initial visit and in other ways, have deepened my connection to the Motherland. At 30 years old, I was initiated into a West African priesthood whose teachings are a major part of my life. In this presentation, I will share insights from my “African journeys” and how they have liberated my being and brought me home.”
This Easter Sunday 2-5pm Scholar, Anthropologist, Researcher, and Professor, Michelle Chatman Ph.D. will explore Black Mindfulness: Cultural Practices for Healing, Joy, and Justice. In this experiential lecture, Dr. Michelle Chatman will share stories, songs, and the science of mindfulness; inviting us to return to the wisdom long held by our elders and ancestors.
Come break bread with us. Buy one ticket and bring a friend for FREE!