Black History Month gives special honor and recognition to Black and African Americans around the nation for their contributions, both nationally and internationally. Especially in a time where many are trying to erase the efforts and trials of the Black and POC community, it is more important now than ever to show our support and acknowledgement of their achievements and role in history. Each year, there’s a special focus or theme during this time, with this year’s primary theme as “Black Health and Wellness”. Not only are Black and African Americans not taken as seriously immediately in terms of their health and have fewer resources, but there is also a stigma within the community in regards to emotional or mental health. These contributing factors along with the underlying “whiteness” still found in many medical practices when it comes to diagnosis and treatments have a large impact on the community. This year, we hope a greater light can be shown on this issue in the hope it will eventually foster some growth or change in this area. But just as importantly, we wish to celebrate all the community has done already in the name of black wellness and excellence.
Below, we have an interview from two of our artists, Sarah Matthews and Camilla King, and what Black History Month means to them!
Sarah Matthews
Print of Sarah’s Matthews’ “Just Another Wall”
February is Black History Month. What does this month mean for you personally?
“Black History Month means more to me more than ever before with states removing Black History from schools. It is important to celebrate the achievements of black people while shining a light on all the atrocities and adversities that we have faced. We cannot and will not allow our history to minimized.”
Scholars acknowledge two reasons for creating this month: recognition and importance. How do you recognize and acknowledge the importance of this month - Do you have any specific traditions/rituals/events regarding black history month?
“One of my favorite traditions is singing “Lift Every Voice & Sing” which is the Black National Anthem. It was written by James Weldon Johnson. Since I was a child, we have always had Black History programs at my church which involved singing in the choir and participating in theatrical plays. It gave us a sense of pride to celebrate our history and culture. My new tradition is visiting the National Museum of African American Culture every year.” (Here’s a video of her visit three years ago!)
Studio Gallery acknowledges the importance of teaching Black history and the essential role it plays in our society. How do you participate in this educational process via your art?
“During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump expressed interest in building a wall between Mexico and the US. When he became president, Trump continued to push this agenda. I began to think about how building walls can impact generations. I am in my 40s and I am just now learning how to swim. It is because my parents didn’t swim due to the Jim Crow laws in segregated South Carolina. Many fences and signs were erected to keep black people from swimming in public pools. I designed and created this print, titled “Just Another Wall.”"
Is your art influenced by Black History and if yes, how?
“My identity as a black woman is incorporated in all my work. It is essential that I show up as me in my work. And I recognize that I wouldn’t be able to do this without all my ancestors who paved the way so I could be here and to do what I love. I refuse to take it for granted. Here’s a video of my solo exhibition titled “Overcomer” which will be at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden until February 27th.
Camilla King
Camilla King’s “Self Portrait”
February is Black History Month. What does this month mean for you personally?
“This month is great for me because African Americans get the recognition they deserve, but on a personal level it’s just another month to me because in my world every month is Black History Month.”
Scholars acknowledge two reasons for creating this month: recognition and importance. How do you recognize and acknowledge the importance of this month - Do you have any specific traditions/rituals/events regarding black history month?
“I usually recognize the importance of this month by working extra hard to make sure I’m learning new information on African Americans everywhere. Especially artists. I reflect on my work a lot more because my work consists of the black community and I just want to make sure that my art is doing black people justice by capturing the beauty they all possess.”
Studio Gallery acknowledges the importance of teaching Black history and the essential role it plays in our society. How do you participate in this educational process via your art?
“I’m currently an art teacher in the Maryland school system so I’m making sure I participate in the educational process by educating my students on African American artists.”
Camilla King’s “Before the Streetlights”
Is your art influenced by Black History and if yes, how?
“Of course! All of my subjects I choose are black people. In my work I aim to present my people in the best way possible - In a beautiful, colorful way so the world can see the beauty we possess. In the past, when popular art was created that involved a black person it was almost always offensive. I really love how progressively different black artists (as well as myself) are changing that narrative one work of art at a time.”
In your own words, please share with us why it is important to celebrate Black History Month.
“Black History Month is extremely important because it gives Black people who paved the way for this generation and future generations the pedestal they deserve for the things that they have accomplished. While Black History Month is still very important that doesn’t mean we celebrate these people for just one month out of the year. These people and the things they’ve accomplished are important all 365 days.”
From staff contributor Morgan Vaughan.