The Afro-Brazilian Mural Project
http://youtu.be/r6fIfJZmO40
This video is a compilation of event that took place during The Mural Project. See what the students, teachers and administrators from The Performing Arts Center at Suitland High School had to say about their cultural exchange with Afro-Brazilian artists.
An excerpt from the panel discussion during the mural unveiling ceremony at Suitland High School on Tuesday, June 5th, 2012.
Afro-Brazilian Muralist Panel Discussion (Video 2)
PGAAMCC MLK DAY 2012 Keynote Address
http://youtu.be/plDcJ6KelSY
Hon. Alexander Williams, Jr. ,US Circuit Court Judge and Fmr Maryland State Attorney gives the PGAAMCC MLK DAY 2012 Keynote Address in Eagle Harbor, MD
PGAAMCC Curator Introduces 'A Space of Their Own'
http://youtu.be/hDIjLn_aU8Q
PGAAMCC Curator Jon West-Bey introduces 'A Space of Their Own' and exhibition exploring the start of the first five incorporate black townships in Prince George's County and their influence on the region today.
Veterans Day Celebration at North Brentwood
More than 50 invited guests, including state senators Victor Ramirez and Joanne C. Benson, delegates Michael Summers and Jolene Ivey. The Veterans Day program was the first in a series of public programs supporting the PGAAMCC’s next exhibition – A Space of Their Own; A celebration of Prince George’s Historic Black Townships.
Mayors from three of the townships – Petrella Robinson, North Brentwood, James Crudup, Eagle Harbor and Lillie Thompson-Martin, Fairmount Heights – attended the event and served as honorary chairpersons.
The program began with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Yolanda Nelson followed by a welcome address from Mayor Robinson. PGAAMCC curator Jon West-Bey gave a brief introduction to “A Space of Their Own.” PGAAMCC Executive Director Dr. Jacqueline F. Brown recognized veterans for their service to America. Brown is married to a veteran and has two sons who have served in the Middle East.
Elder Bernard Blackmon, a former Corporal in the U.S. Marines was the Veterans Day event keynote speaker. Elder Blackmon recounted some of his military experiences, including the rigor of boot camp and the humiliation of his first bald haircut. Notwithstanding the meticulousness the Marines Corps, Elder Blackmon praised his time of military service saying it allowed him to use his GI benefits to buy a house, attend college and move up in the government job environment.
Each luncheon attendee was given a post card to write a personal message to a service member overseas. The Red Cross will help facilitate the mailing of the post cards.
“It’s important for our veterans to know what they have given will never be forgotten,” said Yolonda Evans, PGAAMCC’s Public Programs Coordinator. “This luncheon is an opportunity for our community to come together and honor them for their commitment, their service and our freedom.” - Walter Dozier -
‘Reading, Writing and Racialization:’ Dr. Washington Cherry Lecture
On Saturday, September 17th Dr. Washington Cherry presented an extremely participatory lecture that left everyone wanting to discuss more and ask more questions. The topic that had every ear perked and every brain thinking was: Reading, Writing, and Racialization: The Social Construction of Blackness in a Prince George’s County Middle School.
What is blackness? How do we define blackness? If you speak Spanish can you also be black? Is “blackness” a particular color”? Many of us define blackness differently and perhaps it is an individual decision. But this lecture clearly made everyone think about what it means to be black and its importance. One attendee stated that there is only one race, and that is the human race but does society accept this “one race”?
What became clear to me is the need for diversity training even among a community like, Prince George’s County which is predominantly African American. Among those who identify themselves as black or African American are Spanish speaking people, French speaking people, and perhaps even those who do not look like what we consider black or African American. It is important to understand and be empathetic to other people and do not jump to conclusions because a person has an accent or because they do not fit in a particular societal “box” neatly. Prior to this lecture, I often thought there was no need to have diversity training among people who look the same but I quickly learned that just because we look alike does not mean we share the same race, language, understanding of culture, or identify with being black.
The Honorable Peggy Magee lecture at PGAAMCC
If you missed the Peggy Magee lecture you missed a real treat! She spoke about how strength and honor and being able to stand up to any challenge has propelled her to success. As a single mom, she had a successful career in the military, as a state’s attorney, as Clerk of the Circuit Court, a Director in county government, and now in private industry as an adjunct Professor and as the Director of Community Relations at Collington. Her story inspired me as well as others.
Ms. Magee attributed much of her ability and steadfastness to her service in the military. She learned how to stand to any challenge and do it with dignity and honor but prior to the military it was clear that her strength was instilled in her by her very strong and capable mother. She had a mother who accepted no boundaries to affording her children the best education and she worked extremely hard as a domestic to accomplish this task. Ms. Magee described her childhood as one of few means, however she treasured such memories as being able to eat tea cakes and drink milk while sitting on the front porch swing in Biloxi, Mississippi.
The military helped Ms. Magee afford her education, both a Bachelor of Science as well as her Juris Doctorate. She served as the First Sergeant for Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base during the Presidency of George Bush and Bill Clinton. She is a well respected leader among her colleagues and peers as well as the Prince George’s County community.
An Homage to African American in the Military Art Workshop
Through collage and photography, workshop participants, paid homage to the many contributions of African American Women who served in the U.S. Military during WWII. The collage consisted of wood, photos, aged U.S. stamps...etc. This project was fun, relaxing, and beautiful when completed.
Chanel Compton Community & Youth Education Coordinator
Howard Unversity’s Upward Bound program Docent Tour—FANSTASTIC!!
Thursday morning, ninety-five high school students enrolled in Howard University's Upward Bound Program, visted our museum. It was amazing! Students were moved by the many stories of African Americans who served in the military throughout US history; it was truly a memorable experience!
"It was great! Our students really enjoyed themselves !" said Sabrina Johnson, Counselor for Upward Bound At Howard University
Independence Day Celebration—just AMAZING!!
Independence Day Celebration was AMAZING!!! Saturday, July 9th, local residents and youth groups experienced docent led tours, arts and crafts, and painted a mural commemorating Tuskegee Airmen. The day was exciting, fun, and educational.
“The Exhibit was an excellent educational experience for youth. It’s great exposure for youth of all ages; allowing them to stretch their minds educationally and creatively. We would definitely do this again!” Lloyd Cornish Southview Recreation Coordinator
Chanel Compton Community & Youth Education Coordinator Prince George's African American Museum & Cultural Center T: 301-209-0592 F: 301-209-0594 www.pgaamcc.org