Home Blog Page 49

A Legacy of Love, Family & Activism at AV Gallery through Sept. 10

Editor, Our Time Press
-
0
A Legacy of Love, Family & Activism at AV Gallery through Sept. 10

African Voices’ LINEAGE features artworks of Watson Mere

Last week, African Voices magazine hosted an opening exhibition for Brooklyn artist Watson Mere and launched AV’s Summer/Fall 2025 special issue honoring the art and activism of Harry Belafonte, with Mere’s art gracing the front cover. During the afternoon of celebration, contributors including visual artist and gallery curator Gia Anansi-Shakur, shared poems and personal stories.


“We’re proud to showcase Watson Mere’s art and celebrate the legacy of actor and activist Harry Belafonte whose film Beat Street helped defined New York City as the capital of Hip Hop culture and art, said African Voices publisher Carolyn Butts. “He was one of the first ‘Artivists’ to leverage his influence as a world-class actor to fight for justice during the Civil Rights era.
“Our issue, guest edited by award-winning poet Keisha-Gaye Anderson, is timely as we are continuing the struggle to preserve our cultural institutions and access to jobs, education and affordable housing.”

Young voices learned about “Lineage” at the issue launch.
(l to r): Angela Pruitt-Marriott, AV Board member; Artist Watson Mere; Keisha-Gaye Anderson, guest editor for African Voices issue honoring Harry Belafonte; Carolyn A. Butts, African Voices Founder/Publisher; Derick Cross, AV Art Director; Nicholas Steven George, poet and contributing writer; Gia Anansi-Shakur, poet and contributing writer; and Pittershawn Palmer, poet and AV Board member.
Poet Nicholas Steven George, one the African Voices’ contributors to the Harry Belafonte issue, previews his work at the July 26 reception.
Artist Watson Mere with art lover Michele Avery.


African Voices is celebrating 33 years of publishing art and literature by artists of color. The September event also was a fundraiser in support of the magazine, which recently received the news that it was defunded by the National Endowment for the Arts. African Voices is encouraging supporters to make donations and become members.

At future events, AV’s long-time supporters will share testimonials on how African Voices has impacted their lives.
Mere, commissioned by African Voices to design the iconic front cover for the current issue dedicated to Belafonte, spoke of being honored to pay tribute to an artist who impacted the global arts culture.


Mere said, “This portrait of Harry Belafonte honors him in his regality, while capturing the depth, compassion and intensity of his unmistakable gaze. The stars surrounding him symbolize his presence in the ancestral realm, ever-watchful and guiding, just as he did in life. His pose is balanced with a quiet tenderness, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the care and upliftment of the Black diaspora. The piece celebrates not just the man, but the legacy and light he continues to cast over us.”


Spelman College, one of the nation’s oldest HCBUs, is archiving the organization’s art collection to make it accessible for future generations. African Voices is renowned for publishing top artists on its front cover.

Mere joins a long line of distinguished AV front-cover artists. Past front cover artists include Faith Ringgold, Verna Hart, Patrick Dougher, Kimberly M. Becoat, Sadikisha Saundra Collier, Malik Seneferu, Danny Simmons and Elizabeth Catlett.
Spelman College, one of the nation’s oldest HCBUs, is archiving the organization’s art collection to make it accessible for future generations, Ms. Butts said.


Limited copies of the Spring 2025 digital issue are available. You can reserve copies of the summer/fall 2025 Harry Belafonte issue now, through LINEAGE. The issue is being released, this month.

About Mr. Watson Mere, the artist:
Mr. Mere is an award-winning visual and performance artist who has been exhibiting his work for the past eight years. Mere’s work has been shown in galleries, museums and venues, which include the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY; Venice Art Gallery, Venice, Italy; The Oculus at the World Trade Center, New York, NY; Gracie Mansion Conservatory, New York, NY; Norman Rea Gallery, York, United Kingdom, and The Africa Center, Harlem, New York. He has earned various awards including the 2024 Artist in Residence for the Haiti Cultural Exchange, the 2022 Elizabeth Foundation For The Arts Studio Program, a 2023 recipient of the Frederieke Sanders Taylor Studio Projects Fund, and the 2018 Citation of Honor (Arts) from the District Attorney of Kings County. Mere and his work has been featured in publications and television networks such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vogue Magazine, Hyperallergic, Esquire Magazine, Artsy, NPR, News 12 New York, Philly Magazine, Broadway World, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Colossal, GlobeNewswire, Nylon, C- Suite Quarterly, and more.

About Ms. Keisha-Gaye
Anderson,
Guest Editor:
Ms. Anderson is a Jamaican-born poet, creative writer, visual artist, educator and media strategist living in Brooklyn, NY. She is the author of the poetry collections Gathering the Waters (Jamii Publishing 2014), Everything Is Necessary (Willow Books 2019), and A Spell for Living (Agape Editions 2019), which received the Editors’ Choice recognition for Agape’s 2017 Numinous Orisons, Luminous Origin Literary Award. A Spell for Living is a multimedia e-book, that includes music and Keisha’s original art work. She is a past participant of the VONA Voices and Callaloo writing workshops, and was short-listed for the Small Axe Literary Competition. In 2018, Keisha was named a Brooklyn Public Library Artist in Residence. Her art has been featured in exhibitions throughout the greater New York City area. Keisha is a graduate of the Syracuse University Newhouse School and holds an MFA in creative writing from The City College, CUNY.

Supporter acknowledgment:
African Voices is supported, in part, by Council members Farah Louis (35 C.D.) and Crystal Hudson (45 C.D.), New York State Council on the Arts, NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs, Amazon Literary Partnership-CLMP (Community of Literary Magazines and Presses) and private donors.
About African Voices:
Founded in 1992, African Voices is a nonprofit arts organization devoted to showcasing art, literature, and films by artists of color. African Voices publishes a literary magazine and presents literary readings, art exhibitions, and artistic workshops throughout NYC. The organization sponsors Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series, the first Oscar-qualifying film festival in the nation devoted to women of color (www.reelsisters.org). Reel Sisters will be held from Oct. 25-26, 2025.
The gallery is located at 325 Lafayette Ave, C.F. Suite. Gallery hours are Tuesdays, 11 am to 6 pm; Thursdays, 1 pm to 7 pm; and Fridays, 1 pm to 7 pm. You can also call 212-865-2982 to make an appointment to view the exhibition.
For additional information:
Makeba Hall-Wilson, programassociate@africanvoices.com
All photos compliments of AV Photos

A Night Out Against Crime

Editor, Our Time Press
-
0
A Night Out Against Crime

Rev. Al Sharpton Issues Statement on the Eve of the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

Editor, Our Time Press
-
0
Rev. Al Sharpton Issues Statement on the Eve of the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

NEW YORK, NY (August 5, 2025) – Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement on the eve of the 60th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act into law.


“It has never been more crucial than now that we remain fiercely committed to defending the right to vote. Dr. King knew that the right to vote is the fundamental right from which all others flow. That truth is exactly why the VRA was the most significant civil rights legislation of the 20th Century. Sixty years after its signing, the VRA stands as one of America’s most hard-won achievements, secured through protest, sacrifice, and a movement that refused to yield.


Republican governors and legislatures like those in Texas are specifically targeting VRA-protected districts, rigging maps to lock in GOP advantage ahead of the Midterms. They fear it will be the only way that they can protect their razor-thin margin in the House. This latest effort is not the start of the assault on the VRA but rather a clear prioritization of efforts to erase minority representation in Congress.

Millions of Black and Brown voters in deep red states now face the prospect of having their voices silenced and their power stripped away at the ballot box because of how weak the VRA stands in its current form.


What voters now face is a sophisticated architecture of exclusion. Gerrymandered districts predetermine outcomes. Voter roll purges systematically target Black, Brown, Indigenous, and low-income communities. Mail-in voting restrictions and strict ID laws suppress students, disabled individuals, and older adults.

Polling sites vanish from the neighborhoods that rely on them most. And coordinated disinformation campaigns flood communities of color, immigrants and LGBTQIA+ voters. These are not isolated actions; they are pieces of a deliberate strategy to manipulate participation and preserve political control.


If we do not organize, legislate and litigate like our lives depend on it, the gains that our forbearers risked and in some cases gave their lives for will be erased. This is not the time for commemoration, it’s a call to action. Congress must pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and restore robust protections for every American voter.

If we do not organize, legislate, and fight with the same resolve shown by those who won the VRA in 1965, the hard-fought gains of past generations risk being erased. The right to vote is not simply a legacy to honor but a power to defend because democracy demands nothing less.”
About National Action Network (NAN)


National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender.
For more information go to (http://www.nationalactionnetwork.net/).

A Brooklyn Queen Returns: Queen Afua’s Homecoming Event

Editor, Our Time Press
-
0
A Brooklyn Queen Returns: Queen Afua’s Homecoming Event

By Pojanee Fleury
One of Brooklyn’s treasures has returned. Queen Afua hosted a lavish homecoming event at Restoration Plaza, August 1-3, 2025. After years of working with celebrities, namely Laura London, in Los Angeles then expanding her health ministry in Atlanta, the Queen has returned to Brooklyn, the place where her journey began 55 years ago.


As a teenager, Queen Afua faced many health challenges. Thankfully, in her early 20s, she discovered the healing power of herbs and healthy eating, which helped her naturally strengthen her body and completely transform her life. Realizing how important this information was, she wrote her first book, Heal Thyself, to educate the community and share her story.


As she grew spiritually and became a mother, Queen Afua recognized the vital role women play in the health of their families and communities.

This inspired her to write Sacred Woman, a 12-week program designed to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit, empowering women to become wellness warriors. Both books gained widespread recognition, spreading her message of health and wellness across the world.


Queen Afua’s Homecoming Event was nothing short of a transformative celebration, blending vibrant energy, poignant moments, and a shared commitment to holistic wellness.

The event brought together individuals from all walks of life—healers, wellness enthusiasts, and community leaders—united in their admiration of Queen Afua’s pioneering work in health and spirituality. More than just a gathering, it was a soulful reminder of the power of community and the importance of self-care.

At the heart of the event was a celebration of Queen Afua’s enduring contributions to wellness and self-empowerment. Known as a trailblazer in the holistic health space, Queen Afua has dedicated decades to teaching individuals how to heal and thrive.

Her teachings emphasize natural lifestyles, spiritual alignment, and ancestral wisdom to foster a life of balance and vitality.


For anyone fortunate enough to attend, the Homecoming Event was more than a day of activities—it was a life-affirming experience anchored in a message of holistic harmony and ancestral strength. It left everyone inspired to carry the torch of wellness back to their own communities, creating a positive ripple effect for generations to come.

Quincy Street Block Party: Spreading Love the Brooklyn Way

Pojanee Fleury
-
0
Quincy Street Block Party: Spreading Love the Brooklyn Way

By Pojanee Fleury
Every summer, Quincy Street between Throop and Tompkins Avenues transforms into the vibrant and much-loved Quincy Street Block Party. The event brings together neighbors, friends, and visitors for a day filled with music, food, and fun activities for all ages.

Kids enjoyed fun and games, while adults can relax and connect with neighbors on the block. The Quincy Street Block Party, a beloved summer tradition since the 1950s, brings the neighborhood together to celebrate community and unity.


Longtime resident Rismia Johnson, and current president of the First Quincy Street Block Association, spoke about carrying on the legacy of Herbert Von King, who made a lasting impact on Quincy Street and the wider Bed-Stuy community.

Thompkins Park was renamed Herbert Von King Park in 1985 to honor his remarkable contributions. Rismia shared that she feels inspired by Von King and others she grew up watching to organize yearly block parties, and she is committed to continuing their work in building a strong community.

While acknowledging the changes brought by gentrification, Rismia emphasized the importance of bringing everyone together, saying it’s “the Brooklyn way to spread love.”

Rismia Johnson in front of Herbert Von King Former Residence. Photos: Pojanee Fleury


Rismia shared that the block’s community garden is home to the only living monument honoring the 12 firefighters from the Volken Society who tragically lost their lives on 9/11. This beautiful tribute, filled with vibrant flowers and greenery, was thoughtfully curated by another local legend, Herbert Tims, who wanted to create a space where the community could gather, reflect, and remember the bravery of these individuals.

Over the years, the garden has become a cherished symbol of resilience and unity, embodying the rich history and deep connections found on this single block.


The block party isn’t just an ordinary street gathering—it’s a vibrant, full-day experience where every corner of the block buzzes with energy, excitement, and community spirit. From the delicious aroma of grilled food wafting through the air to the colorful decorations lining the streets, there’s something to excite your senses and warm your heart at every turn.

Families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate not just the joys of summertime, but the pride, culture, and sense of connection that make Brooklyn feel like home. Kids laugh as they play games, vendors showcase unique local goods, and artists perform live, adding their own flavor to the day.

Meanwhile, DJ Pizazz kept the crowd moving all day long with an unbeatable mix of classic tracks, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, and Afrobeats, creating the perfect soundtrack for a day of community and celebration.


The Quincy Street Block Party is truly special for the lasting sense of togetherness it fosters. It’s a celebration where everyone is welcome, whether you’ve called Quincy Street home for decades or are visiting Brooklyn for the very first time.

The music, the laughter, the shared stories, and the delicious food all come together to create an atmosphere that feels both inviting and powerful. It’s not just about having fun—it’s about honoring the history and culture of the neighborhood, keeping a legacy alive that continues to bring people together year after year. This block party isn’t just an event; it’s a reminder of the strength and warmth of a community united.

1...484950...1,292Page 49 of 1,292