Ujamaa Jam
We are so excited to announce our upcoming Kwanzaa Celebration pop-up: Ujamaa Art Jam!
Celebrate communal exchange and cooperative economics at our Ujamaa Art Jam. Feel the Kwanzaa vibes, as we curate a pop up you’ll love, with great buys, good food, live entertainment and cultural excitement. End your Holiday’s on a High Note #ForTheCulture at the Prince George’s African American Museum
Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics “To build our own businesses, control the economics of our own community and share in all its work and wealth. Nguzo Saba Kwanzaa Principle #4
For more information click here!
Welcome our new Executive Director, Monica O Montgomery
PGAAMCC Welcome's our new Executive Director, Monica O Montgomery
Photo credit: Dominique Sindayiganza
Monica O. Montgomery, is the new Executive Director of Prince Georges African American Museum and Cultural Center. She is an arts and culture innovator using creativity and narrative as a means of bridging the gap between people and movements. As an independent curator, museum consultant and keynote speaker, she uses her platforms to be in service to society. She is co-founder and strategic director of Museum Hue a multicultural platform advancing diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives for people of color, in arts, culture, museums and creative economy. She works internationally to facilitate diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives with clients throughout Europe, Africa and North America.
As a museum activist, Monica advocates globally for social justice and relevance embedded in museum practice. She is a dynamic force for change, recently delivering a TedX talk entitled ‘How To Be an Upstander’ challenging everyone to stand up, speak up and act up for social good.
She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Broadcast Communication from Temple University and a Masters of Arts in Corporate Communication from LaSalle University. She is an adjunct professor who’s taught in Museum Studies graduate programs at Harvard University, Pratt Institute, and NYU and guest lectured at Princeton University, Columbia University, American University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, CUNY, University of the Arts and dozens more. Monica holds leadership advisory positions in OfByFor All Change Network, NYC Arts in Education Roundtable, Leading Changemakers, Arts Marketing Association UK, Museums As Sites of Social Action and other groups.
Monica states” I am grateful and energized to be named Executive Director of Prince Georges African American Museum and Cultural Center, an institution that stands out among African American museums for presenting bold contemporary art exhibitions and preserving the black history contributions of residents in PG County. My commitment to Diversity + Inclusion, Black excellence, Social justice curation and community engagement has led to a natural progression of my work into this esteemed leadership position. I am honored to be taking the helm and excited by the possibilities PGAAMCC has to leave a lasting legacy for future generations throughout the region and the world.”
From County to State: New Executive Leadership at Two Partnering African American Institutions
PHOTO RIGHT TO LEFT. Dr. Donald Wallace Jones, PGAAMCC Chair; Maleke Glee, Interim Director; Chanel Compton, MCAAHC/BDM Director; Lyndra Marshall (née Pratt), MCAAHC Chair
From County to State: New Executive Leadership at Two Partnering African American Institutions
Chanel Compton named Director of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and the Banneker Douglass Museum and Maleke Glee named Interim Executive Director for the Prince George’s African American Museum & Cultural Center
The Prince George’s African American Museum & Cultural Center (PGAAMCC) and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) and the Banneker-Douglass Museum (BDM) are in the midst of bringing on new leadership to both organizations. PGAAMCC’s current Executive Director, Chanel Compton, was recruited by the MCAAHC to be the new Director of the MCAAHC and BDM in Annapolis. Ms. Compton will also transition to the PGAAMCC Board of Directors as the Vice Chair of Development. PGAAMCC has recruited Maleke Glee, previously a program/community partner, to be the Interim Executive Director. “My primary goal, as Board Chair, is to continue to elevate the excellent programs, practices, and procedures of PGAAMCC,” states Dr. Donald Wallace Jones, Chair of PGAAMCC’s Board of Directors “We are very pleased to have Ms. Compton transition from serving as our Executive Director to being an acting Board Member as the Vice Chair of Development. As such a strong ambassador for PGAAMCC, Ms. Compton will actively promote our mission and vision locally, nationally, and internationally.” Both organizations seeks to partner on Board Membership and program initiatives. Ms. Lyndra Marshall (née Pratt), MCAAHC Chair states, “Though both institutions are in transition, this has been a great opportunity to collaborate through staffing, volunteerism, board leadership, and program initiatives.”
About PGAAMCC and MCAAHC
PGAAMCC’s 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. Since opening its doors in 2010, PGAAMCC has presented art and historical exhibitions, public programs, film screenings, festivals, and educational outreach programs, all of which continue to grow as the Museum’s audience and reach expand. In partnership with the Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) Office of Arts Integration, PGAAMCC’s education outreach programs, such as its early childhood programs and teen after school programs, serve approximately 65 PGPCS schools and 4,000 PGCPS students. Moving forward, PGAAMCC is actively expanding its education outreach programs throughout the region and is producing a Black Arts Festival, which will premiere on October 7, 2017.
PGAAMCC’s new Interim Executive Director, Maleke Glee, is no stranger to PGAAMCC and community arts programming. Glee’s scholarship is focused on dramaturgy and cultural ethnography, and he recently curated PGAAMCC’s most popular public programs series for the exhibition, Chocolate Cities. Maleke has also led PGAAMCC’s after school program, Culture Keepers, and is the founder and executive director for the DC based non-profit, Chocolate Redux, whose mission is to support and sustain the local culture of the Washington Metropolitan Area in the midst of gentrification. Maleke Glee states“ As a native and current resident of the County, I am honored to support our cultural eco-system. I enter this role ready to work alongside the Board, partners, and community, to fulfill the promise of PGAAMCC’s mission.”
The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) works to interpret, document, preserve, and promote Maryland's African American heritage; to provide technical assistance to institutions and groups with similar objectives; and to educate Maryland's citizens and visitors about the significance of the African American experience in Maryland and the nation. MCAAHC oversees the Banneker Douglass Museum, appoints the Walter Hill Fellowship in Archives, and jointly administers the States $1-million African American Heritage Preservation Grant Program with the Maryland Historical Trust. Chanel Compton states, “Serving African American causes on a County level has been a tremendous experience, and I am honored to serve on a State level to further promote the preservation and presentation of African American history, art, and culture.”
The Future
As two of Maryland State’s premiere African American institutions, alongside institutions such as the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, PGAAMCC and MCAAHC seek to be resources to each other and the greater community through cross-institutional board leadership and creative collaborations, such as traveling exhibitions and programs.
To learn more about MCAAHC, please visit www.africanamerican.maryland.gov or call 410-216-6180. To learn more about PGAAMCC, please visit www.pgaamcc.org or call 301-809-0440.
Call for Artists
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Fall 2016 Exhibit: “Through Their Eyes- Art, Education, and Influence: Creative Expressions Inspired by Prince George’s County CVPA Alumni”
Duration: October 12- Friday January 20
Submission Deadline: August 31
PROPOSALS
“Through Their Eyes- Art, Education, and Influence: Creative Expressions Inspired by Prince George’s County CVPA Alumni” showcases the work of select alumni of the visual arts programs at Suitland High School and Northwestern High School. We are seeking art works and other narrative expressions inspired by curricula, teachers, pedagogical approaches, peer interactions, overall CVPA program experiences, and the schools themselves.
ELIGIBILITY
This call is open to:
- All artists who are aged 18 years or older.
- Of African origin/descent
- Attended or graduated from the Center for Visual & Performing Arts at either Suitland High School or Northwestern High School
Alumni Call for Artists Invite
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Laura Perez, Director of Education and Programs at
301-809-0440 ext 110
lperez@pgaamcc.org
"District 3 Day" at The Museum
After grey skies and only the threat of a major thunderstorm, the last day of May turned out to be a rain free, great way to end the month. PGAAMCC was the scene of the first ever Day Out At the Museum event. Hosted by Council Member Dannielle M. Glaros, District 3 residents came out to experience, expand, explore…in the Gateway Arts District. This was a private event and an opportunity to connect residents and businesses to resources.
In addition to viewing the museums newest exhibit, Patented Ingenuity: The Art of African American Inventors, which runs through September 12, 2015, those in attendance shared their stories throughout the afternoon from the Lakeland Community, Lincoln community, and the community of Seabrook Acres.
The museum’s North Brentwood location is a museum for all Districts and we encourage all Council Members to host events. Thank you Council Member Glaros for bringing District 3 stories to PGAAMCC!
Women's History Month
Did you know that International Women's day is celebrated on March 8th and the first International Women's Day was held on March 19, 1911?
Learn more about Women's History Month here.
In Memoriam: Marion Barry
"Mayor for Life"
Civil rights activist, Marion Barry is the definition of a game changer. Since his move to Washington, D.C. in 1965, he managed to become one of the most influential, charismatic, and unforgettable politicians of his time. Although Marion Barry is greatly known for being the second and fourth mayor of Washington, D.C., he was the first chair of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the President of the D.C. School Board (1972-1974). He also held a seat as a member of the D.C. City Council three times. Marion Barry co-founded PRIDE, Inc. in 1967 and started the D.C. Summer Youth Program in 1979. His dedication and commitment was displayed through his many efforts to improve the city he called home. Marion Barry’s life was a testimony that despite your flaws, mistakes, and imperfections; you can still positively impact and inspire your community.
Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center would like to take a moment to pay homage to the former Mayor of the District of Columbia, City Council member, D.C. School Board President, and civil rights activist, Marion S. Barry.
'The Historymakers' Lauds Dr. Jacqueline F. Brown
The Historymakers, 'the nation's largest African American oral history collection' recently added the distinguished life and career of our very on Executive Director, Dr. Jacqueline F. Brown, to their archive.
Who knew that chocolate brown was her favorite color? Or, that Chocolate and Tuna Fish were among here favorite foods? What we at PGAAMCC probably could have guessed was her favorite quote: 'No problem is solved at the same level of consciousness that created it'. That's was she does everyday--elevate consciousness. And we are all better for it!
Read excerpts from her 2007 Historymaker's Interview for yourself, visit: http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/jacqueline-finney-brown-41
The Masters: Oldenburg and Gaddy
Master sculptors Claes Oldenburg and Huey Gaddy reunited at the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Scupture Garden in Washington, DC ,on Saturday, November 8. Oldenburg, 85, is an American sculptor, best known for his public art installations typically featuring very large replicas of everyday objects. He was a guest speaker at the Hirshhorn on Sunday. Huey Gaddy began his career as a sculptor by working as a fabricator for several major contemporary sculptors, including Oldenburg.
'Momentum' our current exhibition featuring Gaddy's work is now on display at PGAAMCC through January 20th. PGAAMCC will announce, in-person artist tours of the exhibition soon!
Join Us! Emancipation Day Membership
In commemoration of 150 years of Freedom for African Americans in Maryland, this week the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center is offering lifetime memberships for only $150.
150 YEARS AGO ON NOVEMBER FIRST 1864, ENSLAVED AFRICANS IN MARYLAND WERE FREED BY A STATE EMANCIPATION LAW. THE WORK OF THE PRINCE GEORGE'S AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER IS TO TELL THE STORIES, HONOR THE ARTISTIC WORKS, AND TREASURE AND EXHIBIT THE ARTIFACTS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN AND AFRICAN DIASPORA PEOPLE OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MARYLAND.
MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP DURING THE MONTH OF EMANCIPATION HONORS EACH YEAR OF FREEDOM IN MARYLAND SINCE 1864.