Race, Religion, & Revolt
New Exhibition:
RSVP for David Cassidy's Exhibition Opening Reception:
Click Here to RSVP & see the art for yourself!
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About
Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center
PGAAMCC stands at the intersection of possibilities, realities and transformation as we kick off our 10th anniversary, championing community uplift and conscious raising around the Black experience. Our 10thanniversary theme ‘The Story Continues…’ amplifies our vision to be recognized as a national and international model for innovative documentation, interpretation, presentation, and preservation of Black history, art, social justice and culture across the diaspora. We are on a mission is to celebrate and inspire the community through the cultivation, preservation, and presentation of the cultural and artistic contributions of African Americans in Prince George’s County, Maryland and beyond. ‘We are A Home for Black Excellence!’ Visit us in person Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm and online at www.pgaamcc.org
Black Art Today!
Black Art Today! promotes African American art in the genres of performing, visual, and literature that reflects the culture of people of African Descent. Black Art Today! is the point on the trajectory of African American Culture where the African American Experience and Artist Converge! Black Art Today! is dedicated to providing a platform for established, emerging and aspiring artist to display, express, preserve and promote their craft to a broader audience. www.blackarttoday.com
David W. M. Cassidy is a published writer, a published artist. He is a self-taught artist who has had no formal artistic education post high school. His medium of choice is oil painting. He is known for a cubist abstractionist style, the boldness of expression and attention to details of color and composition in his paintings. His artwork is own by over 60 collectors through the United States and Africa. Author of, The Art of My Life, Blurb.com, and he has designed artwork for United Methodist Publishing House VBS projects; African Methodist Episcopal Church Devotionals, book covers, etc.
About the Artist:
David W. M. Cassidy grew up in Compton and Los Angeles
California. Graduated from George Washington (now Preparatory)
High School in 1973. He received a B. A. in Urban and Rural
Studies, University of California, San Diego, Third College, 1978.
He served in the United States Navy as a Hospitalman (HM2), Field
Medical Tech, X-Ray Tech, and Emergency Medical Tech. A
graduate of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), C.H.
Mason Seminary, 1990 graduated with honors and received the
Master of Divinity degree. Rev. Dave was licensed in 1982, and
ordained in 1990 by Bishop George Dallas McKinney Jr., Southern
California 2nd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, of the Church of God in
Christ.
David W. M. Cassidy is a published writer, a published artist. He is
a self-taught artist who has had no formal artistic education post
high school. His medium of choice is oil painting. He is known for
a cubist abstractionist style, the boldness of expression and
attention to details of color and composition in his paintings. His
artwork is own by over 60 collectors through the United States and
Africa. Author of, The Art of My Life, Blurb.com, and he has
designed artwork for United Methodist Publishing House VBS
projects; African Methodist Episcopal Church Devotionals, book
covers, etc.
David W. M. Cassidy lives in Upper Marlboro, MD and is married
to Rev. Lillian Catherine Smith, Pastor of Cheverly United
Methodist Church, Cheverly, MD. He and Lillian have two sons,
David Charles Jasper Smith-Cassidy and Hayward Felton Earl
Smith-Cassidy.
Programs
Upcoming Programs
Visit Prince George's African American Museum and Cultural Center today!
We have fun and exciting events planned for your friends and family.
Join us on Tuesday, June 9th at 2 pm for "We Breathe", A Virtual Virgil for the Spirit of Social Justice. We invite you to take a meditative moment to pause and engage in intentional self-care practices with our staff and community.
#justiceforgeorgefloyd #justiceforahmaud #justiceforbreonnataylor #icantbreathe
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Program Proposal Link:
Please feel free to submit your proposal for a public program at The Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC). We are looking for programs that focus on showcasing black excellence through various forms such as: music, dance, theater, poetry, talks or panel discussions, film screenings, performance art, etc.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTpRe7N5PByoM2bprp1v-DX5jDr7f3MPTZ3TUAl4zuM1XJbg/viewform
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
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!
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.
Holiday Party Celebrates Black History
The Prince George's Sentinel highlights the importance of PGAAMCC community impact at the annual 2018 Holiday Party. Featuring some very talented artists including poetry performances by Patrick Washington, Prince George's County Youth Poet Laureate Michaela Lacy, vocalist Tamara Jade, and special guest author Theresa Gibson. The story includes quotes from our new Executive Director Mrs. Monica O. Montgomery, who shared the Creative Expansion Plan for 2019. Read full article here.
Continue to Share Our Stories: Support Us Today
We see you and want to thank you for your continued support and active participation this year. This year has been full of exciting programs and exhibitions that we hope you have enjoyed. As we prepare ourselves for the new year we want to make sure we can count on your participation and support for another year. We are asking our members to give a little more!
How can you participate?
We want to hear from you, let us know how we can better serve you and continue growing our strong community base.
How can you support?
We have 270 members to date. If each member gave a donation of $50 we would be able to reach our goal this year.
There are only 2 months left to reach our goal! I hope you will make a gift to PGAAMCC today to help us educate our community about the rich history and culture in Prince George’s County.
Your support will allow us to continue offering free education and outreach programs, including:
- Our Cultural Education Passport Program that helps provide a fuller, more complex narrative and images about the African American experience and community for children and youth.
- Art & History Exhibitions tell the stories of the diverse experiences of the County’s African American communities and aim to reflect the broad spectrum of social and cultural activities.
- Special Programs bring together diverse groups of people to create new approaches to cultural understanding.
- General Operations support our staff and administrative success.
You can make the difference for so many influential teachers, artists, and thousands of students. Please make your gift today!
Thank you,
-PGAAMCC Staff
For any questions about the Community Investment Tax Credit Program please reach out to
Zena Wubneh at zwubneh@pgaamcc.org
Washington CityPaper: 'A Museum Goes Beyond Its Walls to Teach Prince George’s County’s Rich History'
PGAAMCC was featured in Washington CityPaper, article by Laura Irene.
Through its education efforts and programming, the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center strives to be a pillar in its community.
Upcoming Exhibition: Chocolate Cities Exhibition Series
Chocolate Cities Exhibition Series:
The History, Legacy, and Sustainability of African American Urban Enclaves
An Artistic Exploration of History and Social Justice
The Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC) is proud to present Chocolate Cities: The History, Legacy, and Sustainability of African American Urban Enclaves. This year-long series of exhibitions and programming will examine African American self-sustained enclaves throughout the United States, focusing specifically on Washington, DC and Prince George’s County, MD.
The term Chocolate City has historical significance in Washington, DC. Coined in the 1970's by local radio personalities and made popular by the funk band Parliament, the term did not solely indicate the color of the population but also the vibrant communities and cultural pride among its residents. For Deejay Bobby “The Mighty Burner” Bennett, Chocolate City “was the expression of DC's classy funk and confident Blackness;" it was about being Black, proud, and in power. Not only were Black people the majority, but they also had strength within the city through politics, business ownership, music, and culture. Now, during a time of dramatic demographic and cultural shifts, PGAAMCC’s Chocolate Cities Exhibition Series will explore the legacy of and track the continual changes within the nation's capital and Prince George’s County.
Chocolate Cities will feature three exhibitions featuring Washington, DC and Prince George’s County based artists and youth: Chocolate Cities Group Show, Sacred Cows: Works by Imar Hutchins, and Culture Keepers Presents: Chocolate Cities Youth Exhibition. These exhibitions will run in conjunction with PGAAMCC’s two permanent exhibitions – Sharing Our Stories: Treasures from Our Collection, a display of objects from the Museum’s Collections and Footsteps from North Brentwood, a photographic exhibit celebrating the history of Prince George’s first African American Incorporated Township, North Brentwood. PGAAMCC Executive Director Chanel Compton states, “As Prince George’s County towns and municipalities evolve and diversify, it is ever more important to keep local history and culture preserved. Prince George’s County is a model for Black mobility, and our Museum is actively preserving that history of community leadership and ingenuity for new generations of innovators.” PGAAMCC will host a monthly series of Chocolate Cities public programs at the Museum for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. This exhibition program series is in partnership with Chocolate Redux, an arts and social justice non-profit located in Washington, DC.
Chocolate Cities Group Exhibition - February 8, 2017-September 26, 2017
Chocolate Cities Group Exhibition is a multidisciplinary art exhibition highlighting the changing cultural and economic landscape of Washington, DC and Prince George's County, MD through the eyes of local artists. In the past decade, Washington, DC has dramatically changed due to population growth, gentrification, and government policy. It is no longer the same Chocolate City that the funk band Parliament referred to in the 1970s, but it still remains distinctively DC. The work included in this exhibition seeks to open up a discourse on gentrification, cultural sustainability, and economic growth in a way that recognizes individual experiences as well as collective memory. Through an examination of the history of Chocolate Cities, and an interrogation of current challenges such as economic segregation and gentrification as a form of cultural castration, this exhibition will open up a discourse on historical legacy as well as methods of sustainability in the face of a rapidly changing cultural and economic landscape. Chocolate Cities Group Exhibition is curated by Martina Dodd and showcases original works by featured artists: Tim Davis, Lloyd Foster, Lionel Frazier, Sheila Crider, Michael Booker, and Larry Cook.
Sacred Cows - February 8, 2017-May 19, 2017
Imar Hutchins’ portraits are not only adorned in elaborate jewelry and colorful symbolism, but also cloaked in honor. Inspired by the reverence bestowed upon cows in India, Hutchins’ latest series of collage and mixed media work – Sacred Cows – offers unique commentary on the treatment of Black people in America. Through the blending of species, cultures, and belief systems, the artist calls attention to the parallels and paradoxes of sacred cattle and exploited chattel. Sacred Cows is curated by Martina Dodd.
Culture Keepers: Chocolate Cities Youth Exhibition - June 2, 2017-September 26, 2017
The Chocolate Cities theme takes lead in the Museum’s teen after-school program, Culture Keepers. Students in the program are currently researching historically African American counties, neighborhoods, and cities - locally and nationally. Under the guidance of PGAAMCC’s Scholar-in-Residence and Teaching Artists, Culture Keepers students will create artwork based on their findings, which will to be featured as an exhibition at the Museum in June. PGAAMCC Education Coordinator Dr. Synatra Smith states, “Our Students, who come from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds, are very excited about the Chocolate Cities theme this year; they get to learn about Black history and culture through a contemporary and creative lens. For example, we just led a presentation about the Netflix show Luke Cage and explored the significance of an African American bulletproof superhero charged to protect a historically African American community: Harlem. They loved the presentation and post-discussion because it incorporated their pop cultural interests into engaging scholarly discourse.” In partnership with Prince George’s County Public Schools, the Culture Keepers after-school program takes place weekly at three school sites: Suitland, Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr., and Northwestern high schools.
Chocolate Cities Exhibition Series Public Programs:
Opening Reception
Friday, February 10th, 2017
6:30-9pm
Well Rooted: Black Townships in Prince George’s County
Sunday, February 26, 2017
2-4pm
Black Wall Street: Pathways to Community Wealth
Saturday, March 11, 2017
2-4:30p
Chocolate Cities Artist Talk
Thursday, March 16, 2017
6-8pm
Designed for Decay: Unpacking Environmental Racism
Thursday, April 6, 2017
6-8pm
First Fridays with Chocolate Redux
Friday, May 5, 2017
7-9pm
Family Day: A Taste of Chocolate City
Saturday, July 1, 2017
2-6pm
Culture Keepers Opening Reception and Panel Discussion
Thursday, June 1, 2017
6pm-9pm