Juneteenth #Morethanamonth Festival Press Release
Juneteenth 2019
More Than a Month Festival
GET TICKETS HERE
North Brentwood, MD (May 2, 2019) – Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center is ‘A Home for Excellence’’ and we proudly present #MoreThanAMonth, a four-day festival full of joy, cultural excitement and entertainment for the whole family. Our 2019 theme is inspired by the honorable Marcus Garvey’s quote, “Up You Mighty Race, Accomplish What You Will!” We recognize past accomplishments across the African diaspora, and seek to empower Black futures, innovators, and community influencers.
This year we launched our ‘More Than a Month’ campaign that celebrates Black creatives, innovators and community influencers year-round. Our campaign is a multiplatform engagement initiative that seeks to drive social awareness to highlight the accomplishments and upward mobility of the Black DMV community. Through this campaign we have developed public programming that serves the diverse needs of our supporters through educational events, workshops, festivals, and exhibitions.
Come celebrate Juneteenth at our More Than A Month Festival, a jubilant journey through Black history and Black futures! #MoreThanAMonth affirms and supports all that we do and all we have done. #MoreThanAMonth festival brings the spirit of Pan Africanism alive, with informative chats, live entertainment, wellness + sports, food and fun! Learn, Create, Connect @PGAAMCC.
Our festival will be featured in conjunction with Halycon’s second annual By the People festival. As a museum and community center our work aligns with the Halycon: By The People 2019 initiative to highlight intersectionality through contemporary art and social interactions. DC’s arts and dialogue festival brings people together around the themes of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The festival showcases the rich arts and culture scene and the celebration of local creatives.
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.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Juneteenth Event Schedule:
Sunday, June 16th 2-5pm | Sunday Scholar Brunch $25
Fatherhood: the significance in the 21st century. A biographical and historical evaluation of the concept of fatherhood with Robert Rouse.
Robert Rouse is a native Washingtonian, who has been married to Denise for thirty-two years. They are the proud parents of two wonderful young women. While serving as a firefighter he mentored numerous young men and boys for more than two decades. Though his parents divorced in his youth, he maintained contact with his father and sought out, albeit subconsciously, positive men in the community and school to emulate. Those years were impactful, thus in adulthood he began in earnest providing a positive example to others in his community.
Wed. June 19, 6-9pm | From U Street to the Cotton Club $10
“Take the A-Train” on a musical journey through DC’s thriving live music scene. U Street roaring nightlife, mirrored the most famous of Harlem clubs, hear song covers of Fats Waller, Cab Calloway, and DC’s own Duke Ellington from ‘In Series’ local talents, Krislynn Perry, Nigel Rowe and Reenie Codelka on piano. Hear hit tunes, such as: Minnie The Moocher, I’ve Got The World on A String, Stormy Weather, Ain’t Misbehavin’ & More!
‘For the Culture’ | Conversation moderated by Monica Montgomery + Creators Coalition panelists + Andre Taylor of On Us Tees
Thurs. June 20, 6-9pm FREE | The Observable Universe by Education Curator Dr. Synatra Smith
Reimagine time and space through technology and fantasy! The Observable Universe is an interactive discussion of Afrofuturist films throughout the Diaspora from the 1970s to the present. We explore such films as Touki Bouki, Space Is the Place, and City of God. Share, engage, and be inspired to create your own Afrofuturist observable universe!
Fri. June 21, 6-9pm | Summer Solstice Fashion Show | Fashion Show (6-7:30 pm) + Afterparty (7:00-9pm) Cost: $15 (fashion show entry w/ 1 free drink), $25 (fashion show entry, after party, 1 free drink, gift bag, Soul Illuminance cup)
PGAAMCC presents Summer Solstice Fashion Show!
Experience Black Star Fashions and walk the red carpet and celebrate summer green designs from featured multi-media artist, Quest Skinner. Coming off of a Catharsis installation on the National Mall, Quest is bringing vibrant, colorful, decadent, and transformative designs to PGAAMCC’s #MoreThanAMonth festival. Join us as we celebrate Black beauty, Black fashion, and Black creatives all year round.
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”. You don’t want miss it!
Sat. June 22, 12-7pm FREE | PGAAMCC Block Party
You are invited to the cookout! PGAAMCC and Creators Collaborative bring to you a Block Party for the whole family! Music, Games, Trivia, Food, Vendors, and Live Art will fill PGAAMCC’s parking lot and outdoor pavillion. And if you can’t take the heat come inside and experience our 3 galleries, with exclusive talks with artists and community leaders on Education, Wellness, and Financial Literacy.
In collaboration with Creators Coalition, JessBeCreative, On Us Tees, Museum Hue
GET TICKETS
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.
DONATE TODAY
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!
Sunday Scholar Brunch: Easter Edition
![LCC_flyer[templates]-03 (1)](https://pgaamcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/LCC_flyertemplates-03-1-1.png)
Come and enjoy an afternoon of breaking bread with fellow knowledge seekers, justice fighters, and social champions. This ticketed event includes brunch catered by a local Black chef and a presentation and community conversation by the designated scholar.
April's Scholar is Anthropologist, Researcher, and Professor, Michelle Chatman PhD!
Brunch Menu by Chef Teo:
Mini Bagels & Muffins
Veggie & Potato Hash
Scrambled Eggs
Spiced Wings
Shrimp & Grits
Fruit Platter
Dr. Chatman's lecture will explore Black Mindfulness: Cultural Practices for Healing, Joy, and Justice.
Mindfulness, the practice of present-moment, non-judgmental awareness, has been shown to promote overall well-being. Yet, African descended people have long held mindful cultural practices to sustain us through challenges and triumph. 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.
Dr. Michelle Chatman is an Assistant Professor in the Crime, Justice, and Security Studies program at The University of the District of Columbia, where she integrates mindfulness and contemplative approaches into her instruction and leads the university’s mindfulness Initiative. Dr. Chatman is Research Fellow in the RWJF Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL) Program. With her research team, she will be piloting a mindfulness and restorative-justice based violence prevention initiative for DC youth. In her compelling TEDx talk, Dr. Chatman links her contemplative work to her volunteerism in The Gambia, West Africa (link below). Though a native Washingtonian, Dr. Chatman now resides in Prince George's county with her husband and daughter.
The Thornton Business Hour "Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence"
|
||||||||||
Soul Illuminance: a Retrospective of Quest Skinner
Soul Illuminance: A Retrospective of Quest Skinner
EXHIBITION OPENING:
Get Tickets HERE
North Brentwood, MD (January 30, 2019) – The Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC) is proud to announce the exhibition opening of Soul Illuminance: A Retrospective of Quest Skinner Friday, February, 8, 6-9pm. Join us and experience the dreamscapes, divine feminine representation, alchemy and abstraction that is Quest Skinner’s work.
Enter the surrealist dreamscape of lush textures and inner visions of internationally acclaimed artist, Quest Skinner. As a DC based artist, her influences range from the energy of cityscapes, music and people she encounters every day to the Burning Man festival, indigenous culture and the divine feminine. Her studio practice involves alchemy, taking raw feelings, vibrations and moments in our lives to transmute and reincarnate them with resin, paint, collage, sculpture and over 30 other mediums she works in. Quest’s artwork is a mixed media tapestry of flowing pigment and vibrant color, which tells a story that demands to be seen, changing with every person who sees her work. ‘Art is the poor man's bar of gold… We are here to create and be creatives and creators.’ Quest Skinner
Quest has spent years selling her art at Eastern Market in Downtown DC. She takes pride in selling original art work and her clients always walk away with a one of a kind original, rather than manufactured prints. As a result, every year, she changes her style to reflect one year of experiences, creating 50 to 150 pieces per week, and selling nearly half of what she produced per weekend at Eastern Market. She continues to evolve with her work, and the art in our galleries are an extension of Quest Skinner’s 2018 collection.
Quest’s goal is to paint reflections of fierce, fancy, and unapologetic femininity. ‘Men are not our beasts of burden, and we should not treat them as such’. Her depictions seek to challenge the societal norms that suggest that men and women have equal footing in relationships, the workplace, and within their own identities. This idea is manifested with images of warrior women slaying dragons, ballerinas and dancers striking a pose, and intricate body busts of the male and female anatomy. In addition, the dirty pour style creates lush abstract art that can be interpreted and viewed dynamically in a reading of the ink blots.
Curated by PGAAMCC Executive Director Monica Montgomery, the exhibition creates conversations between historical and contemporary artists of diverse cultural backgrounds exploring a broad range of themes including the body, identity, materiality, and private versus public selves.
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.
Creative Culture, Vol. 1 - Black Love
About this Event
First Fridays – PGAAMCC X Creative Culture
The Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center in conjunction with Creative Culture, brings to you a celebration of artistry. Historically, the preservation of art that informs or symbolizes a culture, occupies a sacred space within our society. Museums are a way of preserving and highlighting our history and a journey to a museum often allows us to transport ourselves to another time and place, forgetting the cares of the current world. The same can be said of art – it preserves and transports us while at the same time giving life to a physical, musical or visual representation of an emotion or thought. With art, we can lose ourselves in its beauty, be informed by a creation or allow the art to transform us in some way. Through art we can uplift and inspire. Through art we can open minds and reframe opinions. Through art we can tell a story that builds a bridge between cultures, not a wall.
How our culture infuses our collective psyche giving rise to performance artists creating more unique art, is the creative space through which we aim to highlight artists. Our goal is to give a safe performance space for the creative cultural juxtaposition of art, social commentary, political explorations and matters of the heart. We seek to showcase culture in dynamic tandem with gifted artists performing across a variety of mediums. Come out and support these artists the first Friday of every month as they showcase their range of skills. Along with a changing line-up of live performances, local food & drink vendors will be on site bringing a myriad of flavors to the party. Additionally, a variety of local retail brands will be present. February is Black History month and the First Friday performance on February 1st will celebrate Black Love. Network, be inspired or simply come to enjoy local performers. To support and register for each Creative Culture First Friday events at PGAAMCC, please visit CreativeCulture.Live.
Get Tickets HERE!
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!
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.