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Hammonds House Museum to recognize excellence in Black visual art at inaugural ‘Honors’ gala
ATLANTA VOICE — The Hammonds House Museum will host the inaugural Hammonds House Honors, an evening of celebration and recognition of excellence in Black visual art.
By Marshall A. Latimore
The Hammonds House Museum will host the inaugural Hammonds House Honors, an evening of celebration and recognition of excellence in Black visual art.
This mission of the Hammonds House Museum is to preserve, exhibit, interpret and increase public awareness about the contributions that visual artists of African descent have made to world culture. Artistic excellence, culture and community are the focus of its vision.
The event will remember iconoclast photographer Roy DeCarava on the 100th anniversary of his birth, as well as honor seven individuals who elevate the visual art of the African Diaspora through their passion, creativity and commitment to artistic and cultural excellence.
The 2019 Hammonds House Honors will take place on Sept. 12 at Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road SW, Atlanta. Tickets are available at hammondshouse.org/events. The evening will kick off with a cocktail reception at 6:15 pm, followed by the award show at 7:30 p.m. Monica Pearson and Lamman Rucker will serve as hosts.
“We are excited about Hammonds House Honors,” said Leatrice Ellzy, executive director of Hammonds House Museum. “It’s a signature event that perfectly aligns with our mission and enables us to elevate black visual culture.
“Equally important, the event provides us with a rare opportunity to recognize and celebrate the artists, curators, arts professionals and donors who drive the cultural ecosystem with rigor and intention,” she added. “The proceeds from Hammonds House Honors will help us continue to present the great art, thought-provoking public programs, and cultural and educational programming our audiences expect.”
Honorees for the Lifetime Achievement Award and O.T. Hammonds Philanthropy in the Arts Award were selected in advance, but honorees in the other five categories will be announced during the award show.
Emerging Artist Award: Presented to an emerging talent who has achieved notable accomplishments while still early in their career.
- Adrianna Kaya Clark
- Travis Love
- Zora Murff
- Stacy Lynn Waddell
Creators Award: Presented to an artist who creates at the intersection of pop culture and the remix. They create or present visual imagery through non-traditional avenues, are commercially viable, and introduce new generations to Black visual art.
- Miya Bailey
- Chilly-O
- Melissa Mitchell
- Toni Williams
- Dubelyoo Wright
Artistic Excellence Award: Awarded to an artist whose creative and superior accomplishments in the arts have elevated Black visual arts, improved the cultural vitality of the form, and have had a profound and lasting effect on the culture.
- Sheila Pree Bright
- Jerushia Graham
- Lonnie Holley
Curatorial Excellence Award: Awarded to a curator who animates public discourse, offers innovative approaches in the presentation of art, elevates public understanding and advances the field through their work. This individual may be with an institution or independent.
- Gia Hamilton
- Faron Manuel
- Jamaal Sheats
Spriggs-Fuller Award for Arts Leadership: The award recognizes individuals or organizations who enhance and strengthen the cultural community by curating, producing, exhibiting and advocating for artistic excellence in black visual art. This award is named in honor of Ed Spriggs, Founder and first Executive Director of Hammonds House Museum and Myrna Fuller, Executive Director of Hammonds House Museum from 2004-2017.
- Jontyle Theresa Robinson, Ph.D.
- Mary Schmidt-Campbell
- Franklin Sirmans
Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree: Tina M. Dunkley
Presented to a nationally recognized and established artist, curator, arts professional or scholar with a lifetime of exemplary artistic accomplishment and significant contribution to the field.
O.T. Hammonds Philanthropy in the Arts Award Honoree: Vicki and John Palmer
Presented to an individual, family or collective with a demonstrable history of philanthropic giving or patronage to visual arts institutions, artists or independent projects.
This article originally appeared in The Atlanta Voice.
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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me
NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.
Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.
A Familiar Disappointment
I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.
In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.
The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough
On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.
I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?
Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.
One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.
A Call for Action Beyond Words
White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.
If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health
The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]
The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.
The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.
“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”
To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.
Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.
“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”
For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org
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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University
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