 |  MoCADA proudly invites you to experience the provocative and timely exhibition:
I AM A MAN On view
September 25, 2008 - January 18th, 2009
Curated by Kevin Powell
Organized by Laurie Cumbo and Kimberli Gant Opening Reception: Thursday, September 25th, 2008 5:30pm - 8:30pm Exhibiting Artists Radcliff Bailey
Rah Crawford
Russell Frederick
Leroy Henderson
Charly Palmer
Fahamu Pecou
Jefferson Pinder
Juan Sanchez
Jamel Shabazz
Lorenzo Steele, Jr.
Hank Willis Thomas
Ernest Withers February 1968 saw 1,300 African American Sanitation workers strike to demand their basic rights to organize a union, to gain a living wag e, and to garner the respect and dignity deserving of all working men and women. The Civil Rights Leader, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., eventually came to Memphis to support the strikers and was subsequently assassinated. From those dramatic events, one phrase emerged that continues to inspire community activists forty years later, "I AM A MAN."
With this theme, twelve artists have been selected to create new work that immortalizes the 1968 workers strike as well as offer interpretations of what it means to be an African American Man in America in 2008. The goal of the exhibition is to also draw greater attention to the role and responsibility of the artist to serve as an agent of change. Ernest Withers, who not only photographed and captured the historic I AM A MAN march also created the bold signs that expressed the intellect and drive of African American males in America to reclaim their manhood and their right to be respected and treated as equals in America and all over the world.
This thought provoking exhibition comes at a time when the perception of a Black man in America is most under introspection ranging from Barack Obama securing the Democratic nomination to the controversial not-guilty verdict in the Sean Bell trial. We hope that you will share the experience of this exhibition with a child.
| | | Public Programs in collaboration with the I AM A MAN exhibition
All programs will take place at MoCADA 80 Hanson Place (corner of South Portland) Brooklyn, New York 11217 unless otherwise stated.
Thursday, September 25th 5:30pm-8pm
Opening Reception and Recreation of the I AM A MAN Photograph
The Opening Reception will begin with a gathering of Black Men from all over New York City who will pay homage to the courageous men who stood strong holding their I AM A MAN protest signs in 1968 by wearing a contemporary t-shirt version of that sign designed by artist Derrick Adams outside of MoCADA prior to the opening reception.. This historic moment will be recorded by photographic icon Chester Higgins, Jr. MoCADA is inviting all men who wish to participate to arrive at MoCADA at 5:30pm.
Saturday, September 27th 2-4pm
The Artist Speaks Out
Please join us for part one of two in-depth conversations between several of the exhibiting artists who will discuss their own work on display and how they would answer the question of being an African American male in 2008. Participants include: Radcliff Bailey, Charly Palmer, Fahamu Pecou and Jefferson Pinder, moderated by Laurie A. Cumbo.
Saturday, November 8th 2-4pm
The Artist Speaks Out II
Please join us for the second session of an artistic conversation between the exhibiting artists. Participants includ e: Hank Willis Thomas, Russell Frederick, Leroy Henderson, Jamel Shabazz and Rah Crawford, moderated by Laurie A. Cumbo.
Thursday, January 8th, 2009 6:00-8:00pm
What's the REAL DEAL? Film Screening
Scenarios USA asks teens to write about the issues that shape their lives for the annual "What's the REAL DEAL?" writing contest. Thousands of teens enter and the winning writers are partnered with some of Hollywood's finest filmmakers to transform their stories into award winning short films. Come to an exclusive screening of this year's winning films followed by an important discussion on masculinity.
Sunday, January 18th 3-5pm
Community Discussion & Closing Reception
Join former NYC Corrections Officer Lorenzo Steele, Jr., for a discussion about his eye-opening documentary "Scarface for Life" on view at MoCADA. Mr. Steel has traveled all over the country working with young people in order to teach them how to avoid the prison pipeline that is devastating the African American community.
| | MoCADA has established a reputation for creating provocative full sensory Opening Night Receptions. You won't want to miss this amazing evening of art, music, dance and creative expression. We encourage you to bring your children or parents in order to create our culture together. | | |
 Ernest Withers, Sanitation workers strike
Charly Palmer, I am (with son)
Rah Crawford, iMan
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| | | | | | ... about MoCADA
MoCADA is devoted to utilizing the visual arts as a medium to address, discuss, debate and resolve contemporary social, political and economic issues that affect the people of the African Diaspora through the creation of innovative exhibitions, public programs, community outreach initiatives and educational interactive tours.
| | | | Thank you In less20than nine years, MoCADA has established a reputation for creating stellar programs focused on the African Diaspora. The KIDflix Outdoor Film Festival of Bed-Stuy, the FAMflix Film Fest of Brownsville, the High School & College Internship Programs, and the National Black Fine Art Show Educational Series are a few of the educational and public programs MoCADA develops each year. I AM A MAN has been made possible through the generous support of the Andy Warhol Foundation, Starry Night Fund of the Tides Foundation, The New York City Council Brooklyn Delegation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York State Council on the Arts - A State Agency.
MoCADA's operational support has been made possible through the dedicated support of JPMorganChase, New York Community Trust, Target, Union Square Awards, a project of the Tides Center, M & T Bank, Institute of Museum & Library Services, and the following public servants: State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, State Senator Eric Adams, State Senator Kevin Parker, State Senator John Sampson, State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, State Assemblyman William Boyland, State Assemblyman N. Nick Perry, State Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, State Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, City Councilmember Letitia James, City Councilmember Charles Barron, City Councilmember Bill de Blasio, City Councilmember Albert Vann and City Councilmember David Weprin. | |
... visiting MoCADA ADDRESS
Located at 80 Hanson Place at South Portland in Downtown Brooklyn, near the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
BY SUBWAY
The 2, 3, 4, 5, B, and Q stop at Atlantic Avenue.
The D, M, N, and R stop at Pacific Avenue.
The C stops at Lafayette Avenue.
The G stops at Fulton Street.
ADMISSION
Suggested donation: $4 for adults, $3 for students (with valid ID) and seniors.. Free for children 12 and under.
Hours of operation are Wednesday - Sunday 11am to 6pm
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