“There’s a connection, arduous to clarify logically, however simple to really feel, between achievement in public life [i.e. societal progress] and progress within the Arts.” (John F. Kennedy)
Relate this assertion to Houston’s traditionally Black communities, and it leaves little to marvel why they’ve so simply fallen to gentrification. The wrestle for societal “progress,” the standard of “civilization,” renders our communities sitting targets.
This, nevertheless, will not be a commentary on gentrification; I’ve a brief movie that addresses a little bit of that subject. That is in regards to the Arts, the absence or nominal presence thereof in traditionally Black communities, its connection to the wrestle for societal progress, and why it’s newsworthy, half-way via 2025, that the fourth largest metropolis within the nation is simply experiencing the primary Black Arts Competition that entails partnership and collaboration of all main inventive establishments throughout two Arts Districts.
And why this Acres Houses native and resident artist finds it even higher than newsworthy.
It’s, the truth is, groundbreaking and pivotal that in honor of the primary, Biennial Fade to Black Arts Competition, Acres Houses Takes the Theatre District! For those who suppose that is a lot ado about nothing, then look at the impositions and govt orders of President #47 as they relate to the Arts, and their affect on the Black group.
The Houston Black Arts Competition just lately misplaced $10k in funding from the Nationwide Endowment of the Arts, which occurred proper after President #47 proposed to eradicate the NEA and appointed Mary Anne Carter to its management.
The Kennedy Middle was simply stripped of its management as #47 positioned himself as Chairman of the Board.
President #47 not solely fired Carla Hayden, the primary Black Librarian of Congress, but in addition positioned his personal private lawyer as performing Librarian in her place, in his try and seize the Library of Congress.
Then there’s the manager order to finish federal funding to Nationwide Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
And if you happen to thought tariffs have been all about automotive components and knick-knacks “Made In China,” take into account its affect on nationwide museums and galleries. In March, President #47 known as for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Providers. The workers, in its entirety, was positioned on administrative depart. This identical assault was made on the Smithsonian, calling for removing of what has been categorized as “divisive, race-centered ideology.” In consequence, the Smithsonian has begun eradicating necessary artifacts from the Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past and Tradition.
Whereas many of those govt orders can and might be challenged within the courts, it’s value inspecting.
Why has President #47 moved forthwith into commandeering probably the most notable establishments of Artwork & Tradition within the nation, whereas usurping funding to community-based organizations? Why have Houston’s sister communities been so systematically marginalized and underserved of their efforts relating to Arts & Tradition of their communities? One must look again on the phrases of former President John F. Kennedy for the solutions.
I have to digress momentarily to the feelings of Houston Mayor John Whitmire relating to the Full Communities initiative of former Mayor Sylvester Turner. Whitmire believes “the Metropolis of Houston is an entire group, and as mayor, focuses on offering companies that improve the standard of life for all Houstonians no matter the place they dwell.”
I wholeheartedly disagree. The Metropolis of Houston will not be an entire group as a result of the communities that comprise it usually are not full; Houston’s traditionally Black communities have been thwarted at each flip of their pursuit of completeness, and the Arts – the humanizer, the civilizer, the reviver – has been among the many most elusive of transformative efforts towards that completeness.
Black artists have confronted daunting challenges in persistently offering Houston’s traditionally Black communities with viable Arts experiences, from funding to accessible venues and platforms, constant erasure, devaluing, and appropriation of historic and current inventive contributions, amount and high quality of alternatives. Understanding the facility of the Arts, these artists have persevered.
Third Ward has loved the presence of the Neighborhood Artist Collective; founder Michelle Barnes has a narrative to inform. Fifth Ward enjoys the restoration of the Deluxe Theatre, however has its personal story of years of inventive deprivation. Each group can inform its personal story of inventive and cultural wrestle, synonymous with the wrestle for “societal progress”.
As President #47 seeks to manage the Artwork & Cultural panorama of this nation, Black communities should do what we’ve at all times finished: combat for our survival.
As I work to supply viable, high quality, constant, inventive experiences to the group of Acres Houses, with no Arts venue to talk of, I’m grateful for what funding I’m able to procure from the Metropolis of Houston via the Houston Arts Alliance, whereas it lasts.
It’s with that assist, in addition to loyal Acres Houses followers and patrons, companies, church buildings, organizations and devoted artists, that in honor of the primary, Biennial Fade to Black Arts Competition, Acres Houses Takes the Theatre District! As we converge on the Downtown – Midtown Arts Districts, what’s most necessary is that Black artists will return to their respective communities, empowered, with higher publicity and connection to our metropolis, the Arts group, and our sister communities, poised and motivated to unify in our efforts.
June 8-14, Houston will Fade to Black. On June 10, 7:30 pm, on the MATCH (Matchbox 4), an Acres Houses authentic manufacturing, H Place, a play with music, about historical past, heritage and legacy, will hit the stage. Tickets could be bought at https://www.sixwhitehorses.org/event-details/h-place. Tickets can also be bought on the door of Matchbox 4.
Norma Jo Thomas, Acres Houses native and resident artist, is an award-winning author, director, and producer of stage and movie. She is an Arts educator and Arts entrepreneur; French Creole Productions founder and co-CEO of Six White Horses, Inc; podcaster (Store Speak the barbershop podcast); revealed and self-published creator.
