On Wednesday, July 24, community members gathered for a poignant event, titled “Black People Be: An Evening with Creative Assembly Cohort Artist Jourdan Barnes.” This program featured a selection of photography from Barnes’s Black People Be series, portraying the vibrancy and multifaceted nature of Black existence. The evening concluded with an enriching panel discussion involving thought leaders who explored how artists define and celebrate Blackness through their work.
Barnes’s images capture moments of everyday joy, resilience, and beauty, challenging stereotypes and presenting a fuller picture of what it means to be Black in today’s society. The showcase fostered a sense of community and allowed individuals to connect over their shared appreciation of art and its power to convey complex narratives.
Following the art presentation, the program transitioned into a panel discussion featuring Shana M. griffin and David J. Wallace. This discussion delved into topics such as the concept of celebration in Black communities, the role of art in representation, and personal experiences of joy and resilience.
Shana M. griffin, a feminist activist, researcher, sociologist, abolitionist, artist, mother, and geographer, brought a wealth of knowledge to the panel. Her work engages history and memory as sites of resistance, rupture, and protest, attending to the lived experiences of the Black diaspora. Griffin’s insights centered on the particular experiences of Black women most vulnerable to the violence of poverty, incarceration, polluted environments, reproductive legislation, economic exploitation, housing discrimination, and climate change. Her perspective underscored the importance of recognizing and addressing the systemic issues that impact Black communities.
Dr. David J. Wallace, a dedicated culture influencer and creator of Dream House Lounge, offered a unique perspective on mental and spiritual wellness. Located in the heart of New Orleans’s Central Business District, Dream House Lounge serves as a haven for mental and spiritual wellness. Dr. Wallace’s commitment to amplifying culture and fostering community drives his relentless pursuit of wellness advocacy. As an initiated priest of the IFA tradition, specializing in Lucumi practice, Dr. Wallace serves as a conduit for intuitive healing and a channeler of the Orishas and ancestral wisdom. Additionally, he is the luminary behind Awakening Minds Consulting, where his passion for justice manifests in transformative endeavors reshaping dialogues on racial and social equity.
The panelists shared their personal experiences and professional insights, highlighting the importance of art in representing and celebrating Blackness. They discussed how art can serve as a tool for resistance, a means of preserving history, and a source of joy and inspiration. The audience was encouraged to consider how they could support and uplift Black artists and communities.
“Black People Be: An Evening with Creative Assembly Cohort Artist Jourdan Barnes” was a powerful and enriching experience. The event provided a platform for celebrating Black identity and culture, fostering meaningful conversations, and highlighting the role of art in representing and uplifting Black communities. This evening was a testament to the power of art to inspire, challenge, and bring people together in the pursuit of a more equitable and just society.
—Kelci Baker, Community Engagement Manager