I was excited and thrilled to recently read in the Washington Post about the Ford Foundation’s announcement that it has partnered with several foundations and major donors to make available millions of dollars in unrestricted national and regional grants to arts organizations in the communities of People of Color (PoC)! The grants are part of a still-expanding campaign called “America’s Cultural Treasures,” which was initiated … Continue reading America’s Cultural Treasures: POC Arts Organizations to Receive Grants

This past Monday, I was among the thousands of people nationwide who participated in the virtual watch party and interactive, online panel discussion about Good Trouble, the documentary that showcases the phenomenal history and life’s work of the late U.S. Representative John Lewis. Directed by Dawn Porter, the documentary is both riveting and humanistic. As I watched the film, I fell in love with John … Continue reading Virtual Screening and Panel Draws Thousands to Honor the Life and Work of Rep. John Lewis

Now, more than ever, as we experience the impact of shrinking federal resources for BIPOC communities, it is imperative that we encourage and push, if we have to, every member of our community to participate in the 2020 Census by filling out the form. I believe participation in the 2020 Census is as important and as urgent as voting on November 3, 2020. In April, … Continue reading The 2020 Census: Don’t Let Time Run Out!

I am a longtime admirer and supporter of the advocacy work of New York’s Dr. Marta Moreno Vega. Her pioneering work at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) has given voice to the vast and diverse art and culture of the African Diaspora in a unique and important way. Dr. Moreno Vega’s work and her books continue to advocate for cultural equity and … Continue reading The Creative Justice Initiative: Take the Survey by August 31st

I first met Stacy Waring, the recently appointed Executive Director of Operations at The Lark, while consulting with the world-famous Apollo Theater. I consistently was impressed with her commitment to her work as the Director of Theater Operations, as well as her professionalism and high standards of performance. I knew Stacy would have a long and successful career, and she proved me right! Stacy has … Continue reading Stacy Waring Tackles COVID-19 and Antiracism at The Lark

I am happy to share an important and significant update with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections about the results of an investigation into allegations of racial discrimination and harassment that teachers and students from the Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy experienced last year during a field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. The State Attorney General of Massachusetts has reached a … Continue reading MFA Boston’s D&I Agreement Serves as Model for Arts Organizations

I am thrilled to share with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections an interview I recently conducted with Monique Martin. Monique is currently the Director of Programming for Harlem Stage, a performing arts center that commissions and nurtures artists of color while celebrating the indelible impression the unique and diverse artistic legacy of Harlem has made on American culture, as well as the world. … Continue reading Expanding Circus Arts Opportunities for BIPOC Artists

I have been deeply moved by the profound and steady flow of voices of protest and demands for racial justice that have emerged from the international arts community in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Artists and arts administrators of color have been speaking out in every facet of the arts industry—theater, museums, dance, music and the visual arts—and in countries all around … Continue reading Artists of Color Continue Protests for Equity and Justice

I LOVE HARLEM WEEK! From bringing artists to the festival for exposure to helping with the planning and the execution of marketing plans, I have been involved with this legendary arts and cultural festival for more than 30 years. As I have previously shared with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections, this event is an extraordinary example of business, civic and cultural organizations joining … Continue reading HARLEM WEEK 2020: Going Virtual in the time of COVID-19

I am excited by the numbers of young Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) activists, supported by young white allies, who are leading the waves of protests and social justice movements that have sprung up across the globe in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Drawing upon the legacy of the American civil rights movement, these emboldened youth, many of them young women, … Continue reading What the Arts Can Learn From Our Youth Activists