Black Artists Are Focus Of This Week’s Daily Inspirations

This week at Northrop, we have been focused on amplifying and listening to the voices of Black artists, in our Twin Cities communities and our national arts communities. We paused our social media presence for #BlackoutTuesday, but we know that the need is not for silence. Our colleagues need us to listen, educate ourselves, and use our platform to promote the work and the words of Black artists in this moment and over time.

We shared these words from a Wynton Marsalis essay:

"This particular tragedy, however common it’s become across these last decades, is perfectly symbolic of this specific time and place. And this global pandemic has given it a clear and more pungent stage. This murder is so distinctive because of the large size and gentle nature of the man who was murdered, because of the smug, patient and determined demeanor of his killer and of the other peace officers protecting the crime in full public view, and because our nation is always attempting to escape its original sin with the loud shouting of other serious, though less egregious, transgressions. This fully recorded public execution yet again demands our full attention and interest, IF we have the slightest remnant of belief in the morality, reason and intelligence required to realize, maintain and protect a libertarian democracy."

As we watched this tribute to Arthur Mitchell’s indelible legacy we delved further into his reasons for founding Dance Theatre of Harlem:

"I could wait for others to change things for black Americans. Here I am running around the world doing all these things - why not do them at home? I believe in helping people the best way you can; my way is through art." - Arthur Mitchell

We remembered this Toni Morrison quote:

"This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal."

We considered the continued importance of Davon Suttles’ MELANIZED, which he previewed with our audience for a screening of Tap in October, and Suttles shared these words with us:

“This soundscape symbolizes a journey through time in which POC must deal with yet another murder in our community from law enforcement. We travel clock wise to resemble time. Our walks light and quiet, to not bring negative attention upon ourselves. Momentary montages exemplify altercations with police; accents to announce yet another senseless death. All building up until peace is no longer acceptable. Our final steps represent the body count of our fallen siblings.

This piece was heavily inspired by the 2014 riots in Ferguson, Missouri in lieu of the 6 shots that murdered 18 year old Michael Brown Jr. I never would’ve thought that six years later, riots would happen in my hometown for the same exact reason. But this uprising is necessary.  If you won’t listen for our plea to live, we will force you to hear our screams for justice.

One who lives with the privilege of being white, can never know the fear of being murdered by those sworn to serve and protect us. Justice for George Floyd

Rest In Peace those who have died due to police brutality: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Botham Gene,Philando Castile, Dontre HamiltonJohn Crawford iii, Michael BrownAntonio Martin, Walter L ScottSandra Bland, Laquan McDonaldAkai Gurley, Tamir RiceEzell Ford, De’von BaileyEric Logan, Jamarian RobinsonGregory Hill Jr, Jaquavion SlatonRyan Twyman, Brandon WebberJimmy Atchison, Willie Mccoy,Emantic “EJ” Fitzgerald Bradford Jr, Jemel Roberson, Deandre Ballard, Robert Lawrence White,Anthony Lamar Smith,Wendell Allen, Larry Jackson Jr, and all affected by police brutality.

#SayHisName #BLM #BlackLivesFuckingMatter #MELANIZED” 

We’re indebted to these artists for their words and their work.

Parallel to my Programming work in which I collaborate with artists to share their work with you, I’m a member of Northrop’s committee for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. The committee made its recommendations today to the Northrop leadership team, of which I am also a member. One of the recommended initiatives is a four-step process to improve our hiring practices, starting immediately, so that Northrop staff will be more reflective of the communities in which we work. We are committed to doing better at all levels.

In the meantime, I am thankful for leadership from Kari Schloner, Director of Northrop, and I join our University of Minnesota campus in commemorating the memorial service for George Floyd. Take good care, and take good action.