Black Artists of Washington D.C

featuring works by BADC (Black Artists of Washington D.C.)
Jan 15 – Mar 20, 2009
Center for Faith and Life

Presented in Conjunction with Luther's Black History Conference (Feb 27, 2009)

Exhibit Dedication
This exhibit is dedicated to the memory of Harlee Little, a BADC Elder who regrettably passed away from a stroke on January 1, 2009. Harlee had hoped to visit Luther College during the Black History Conference. Two other members of the BDAC, Daniel T. Brooking and Amber Robles-Gordon, plan to attend and participate in the conference. Please join us in greeting them at the following events:

Gallery Reception Thursday, Feb 26 at 4:45 pm
(open to the public, upper level CFL)
Artists Panel and Exhibit Tour Friday, Feb 27 11:00 am
(open to Conference participants, starting in the CRH in the back of the CFL)

Exhibition Statement by Daniel Brooking:

Black migration is often seen only as the move from south to north. We were very pleased that Luther College chose to explore the theme of migration to include: artistic expressions, historical interpretations and religious expressions. Having traveled to Europe, South America, Africa and several Caribbean islands I have been often struck by the diversity and similarly of Black art, music, dance and religion in all of its manifestations. It was wonderful to walk down the streets of Accra and see smiling faces so familiar to me; faces of folks back in the States. When Black folk migrated they also took their cuisine. A friend from South Africa was amazed that we ate so many of the same foods but with that different little twist that reminds one of family. The rhythms, songs, dances, images, foods, and godly praises of Black people create a heady mixture that says "come home".

We asked our members to stretch and explore the theme, finding their own path to the same doorway: what is Black migration to me? The gospels sung in southern churches had their roots in the songs of the slave and now they are sung in the churches of Africa, full circle. My South African friend, who is young enough to be my son, loves Do Wop and remembers listening to his father's records. He was elated that I could introduce him to groups from my youth that he never knew (by way of Youtube.com). I follow the spirit of Sankofa: reaching back to find something in the past and bringing it forward to inform the present. When we are young, we think we invented things that have been around for centuries in one manifestation or another. The artists of BADC are constantly searching for our history and seeking our future; so much to see and experience. Our group is multi-generational; seasoned artists and emerging artists, we each have something to teach others. We thank Luther College, David Robert Kamm and Sheila Radford-Hill for allowing us the opportunity to tell our story.

More information available at http://blackartistsofdc.org

"Migrations"