Black Arts and Culture
Creative Arts Series Lights Up Portsmouth For Black History Month
Dive into the vibrant celebration of Black excellence in Portsmouth with the “Black History Now! Art is Revolutionary” series. From culinary delights to thought-provoking films and interactive music workshops, join the community in honoring the power and creativity of Black artists and changemakers.
#BlackHistoryMonth #PortsmouthArts #BlackExcellence #ArtIsRevolutionary #CommunityEngagement
PORTSMOUTH
Portsmouth is observing Black History Month with a multi-week series of events surrounding Black excellence in a variety of art forms. The series has been crafted by Grammy-winning Home Studios in partnership with the city and the Portsmouth Museums.
The series titled “Black History Now! Art is Revolutionary” kicked off February 2 with a culinary arts evening at The Famous Venue, featuring local entrepreneurs/owners of Mango Mangeaux, a popular Neo-soul restaurant located in Hampton. In addition to guests sampling a complete meal prepared by the restaurant’s Executive Chef, the three “Mango Ladies” – Tanecia Willis, Lakesha Brown-Renfro, and Nzinga Teule-Hekima – gave an inspiring and soulful account of their popular business from its shaky inception to present expansion, as they offered tips to prospective entrepreneurs.
Mark Mims, Co-founder of Home Studios, said the series is more than just a series of events. “It’s a vivid canvas spotlighting the power, passion, and creativity of Black artists, filmmakers, musicians, and changemakers.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Portsmouth Museums and bring this transformative experience to the city of Portsmouth, igniting dialogue and celebration across the community,” he said.
Dr. Alexander Benitez, Director of the Department of Museums and Tourism for the City of Portsmouth, echoes his sentiment.
“The Black History Now! series offers a dynamic and engaging platform for our community to embrace the multifaceted richness of Black culture. As we delve into the artistry, achievements, and struggles depicted in these events, we can foster understanding, empathy, and ultimately, progress toward a more inclusive and equitable future.”
Noelle Torian, with Portsmouth Museums, adds, “By engaging in meaningful conversations and celebrating the power of Black art, we can ensure that Black History Month becomes not just a commemoration of the past but a catalyst for a brighter future.”
Other events planned are:
• Week Two: February 9th & 10 – Art that Changes the World: Award-winning Artivist Nikkolas Smith will share how his art sparks change at four local Portsmouth schools, and the Children’s Museum of Virginia. He is the creator of the 2023 Marvel Artist Series in collaboration with Target for an apparel line featuring Black superheroes.
• Week Three: February 16th & 17th – Films that Spark Change: A critically acclaimed and award-winning documentary, Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia, will be shown to the public. The film is lauded as Best Local Feature and Audience Choice Award winner at The Philadelphia Film Festival, Best Documentary at the Oscar Micheaux Film Festival, Art Through Activism award winner at the Harlem Hip Hop Film Festival, and selected for the prestigious American Black Film Festival sponsored by HBO, Netflix, and Meta. The documentary tackles the issue of gun violence in Philadelphia, where over 500 lives were lost in 2021 alone.
• Weeks 4-6: – Music that Changes the World x The Grammys Come to Portsmouth, features discussion and music curated by The Recording Academy with local Portsmouth musicians. Also, at The Children’s Museum, an interactive workshop on the basics of beatmaking and songwriting.
Also planned are a Fashion showcase by renowned Virginia designer, Hamilton Perkins and poetry readings, insightful discussions, and creative workshops.
Portsmouth Interim City Manager Mimi Terry emphasizes, “Black history is American history. This series not only celebrates remarkable individuals and their artistry but also serves as a vital platform for amplifying ongoing conversations about equality, justice, and progress. We, as a city, are proud to invest in and champion initiatives that foster inclusivity and empower all members of our community.”
Tickets for this series, including the “Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia” screening will be available to the public at www.blkhistorynow.com.
About Home Studios:
Home Studios is an award-winning independent film studio, with a commitment to stories that move, inspire, and elevate. The studio has forged partnerships with industry giants like Netflix, Amazon, Fox, REVOLT, Capitol Records, and Sony Music.
#BlackHistoryNow #AmplifyingBrilliance #HomeStudios #ChildrensMuseumVA #ArtIsRevolutionary #PortsmouthMuseums
POST TOMORROW 2/8/24
