Objects From OutKast, Octavia Butler and Marvel’s “Black Panther” on Display in National Museum of African American History and Culture’s New “Afrofuturism” Exhibition
Black PR Wire
“Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” opens Friday, March 24, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. On view until March 24, 2024, the exhibition explores and reveals Afrofuturism’s historic and poignant engagement with African American history and popular culture.
“To think on Afrofuturism is to consider what the National Museum of African American History and Culture has long been dedicated to—that is, the bright future that Black people imagined and brought into being while confronting a perilous present,” said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “Afrofuturism has also long been a mix of celebration and resistance, musicality and theatricality, achievement and survival. Much of this mix-making and myth-making was through music, from the Negro spirituals down to jazz and gospel, funk and hip-hop.”
Coined in 1993 by scholar Mark Dery, Afrofuturism is an evolving concept expressed through a Black cultural lens that reimagines, reinterprets and reclaims the past and present for a more empowering future for African Americans. Using more than 100 objects from music, film, television, comic books, fashion, theater, literature and more, this exhibition covers more than a century of Afrofuturism’s rich history of expression and investigates its impact and broad influence on American culture.
This exhibition will explore Afrofuturism’s history and influence in three sections within the gallery. In the exhibition’s first section, “The History of Black Futures,” visitors can view how the enslaved looked to the cosmos to envision and plot their freedom. The second section, “New Black Futures,” explores Afrofuturism of the modern era, introducing visitors to the dynamic set of ideas, practices, criticisms and widespread cultural production related to Afrofuturism in the 20th century, leading into the present. Visitors will be able to experience how Black Americans navigated technological advances and used art, literature, music and film to confront racism and provide an identity for Black creatives and intellectuals envisioning new futures for African Americans outside the realities of racism and segregated life. The exhibition concludes with “Infinite Possibilities,” highlighting Afrofuturism’s connection to notions of space and liberation, technology, digital activism, 21st-century popular media and the future. In this section, visitors will view how Black Americans have used comics and animation, music, film and digital technology to create liberated worlds and landscapes.
“This exhibition is a way to look at how Afrofuturism has been practiced throughout history and across the diaspora, and the ways it is expressed, historically and in the present, through art, literature and activism,” said curator Kevin Strait. “We hope that visitors learn more about this topic by seeing the various ways that Afrofuturism connects with and influences our popular culture and gain a broader understanding of Afrofuturism, not simply as a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy, but as part of a larger tradition of Black intellectual history.”
The Ann Cephus Family Fund
Black PR Wire
“Lawrenceville, GA – The Ann Cephus Family Fund is excited to announce the launch of the 3R9M Music Business and Technology Internship Program for rising 10th and 11th graders at Central Gwinnett and Berkmar High Schools. This program provides a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the music business and technology fields.
The 3R9M Music Business and Technology Internship Program will run from August 14, 2023, to April 12, 2024, offering students real-world and practical experience. The program curriculum covers music production, artist management, marketing, and technology tools used in the music industry. Students will also have the opportunity to work with local musicians and industry professionals while building their network and developing essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
Applications for the program are currently open and will be accepted until May 19th. The program is limited to a select number of students, and interviews will be held in June. Acceptance announcements will be sent out in July. The program aims to provide students with a strong foundation to pursue career opportunities in the music industry and technology fields.
“We are thrilled to offer this internship program to the talented and creative students at Central Gwinnett and Berkmar High Schools,” said Latabia Woodward, the Founder of the Ann Cephus Family Fund. “We believe that the music industry and technology fields offer many exciting career opportunities, and we are dedicated to helping the next generation of leaders in these fields,” added Woodward.
The 3R9M Music Business and Technology Internship Program is the brainchild of Latabia Woodward, a successful entrepreneur and business professional with a passion for helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals. “I believe that this program will provide students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the music industry and technology fields,” shared Woodward.
For more information about the 3R9M Music Business and Technology Internship Program and to apply, please visit www.anncephusff.org.
About Ann Cephus Family Fund:
The Ann Cephus Family Fund is a non-profit organization committed to embracing, inspiring, and motivating student creatives to complete their basic education and become contributing members of society as they transition into adulthood. The organization was founded by Latabia Woodward, a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist who is dedicated to giving back to the community.
About Latabia Woodward:
Latabia Woodward is a successful entrepreneur and business professional who has helped many individuals and organizations achieve their goals. She is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams and succeed in their chosen fields.
Atlanta Business League Names Tantrum’s David Tann as its 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year
Black PR Wire
Organization to honor Tann for his exemplary service and innovative creativity that shapes Atlanta at 44th Annual CEO Awards Luncheon
(Black PR Wire) ATLANTA – In celebration of its 90th Anniversary, The Atlanta Business League (ABL) has announced David Tann, founder and CEO of branding and creative consultancy Tantrum Agency, as its 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year. Established in 1990, the award recognizes proven leadership as evidenced by financial success and commitment to community service.
Each year, Entrepreneur of the Year is awarded to one of Atlanta’s top minority business owners. On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, ABL will host its 44th Annual CEO Awards Luncheon to honor Tann and other distinguished business leaders.
Tann joins a prestigious list of past ABL honorees including Georgia State Senator Emanuel Jones, T. Dallas Smith & Company founder and CEO T. Dallas Smith, Wade Ford President and CEO Steve Ewing, Bernard Bronner, Bronner Brothers, Inc., C. David Moody, C.D. Moody Construction, the late Maynard H. Jackson, Jackson Securities, Hank Aaron, Hank Aaron Enterprises, and many others.
“The Atlanta Business League is honored to recognize and celebrate David Tann’s unique vision and valuable impact. This unique opportunity will inspire other talented entrepreneurs to make a difference and achieve success in the process,” said Leona Barr-Davenport, Atlanta Business League President & CEO.
Tann’s contributions to Atlanta’s ever-growing influence on global culture and passion for service have spanned over two decades and feature work with some of the world’s biggest brands and several of Atlanta’s most cherished institutions. From unveiling the new identity for the Atlanta Hawks during one of the franchise’s most tumultuous periods to the pivotal rebranding of the Atlanta Dream in 2019 to shaping critical campaigns for the CDC targeting minority communities, Tann has boldly made his mark on Atlanta and the branding and marketing industry.
As a Black entrepreneur, Tann understands the importance of his barrier-breaking and door-opening work. According to statistics, 50% of small businesses do not make it to their fifth year, with this number even higher for Black-owned businesses. This year, Tann is proud to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Tantrum, a feat for any business owner in and of itself. Now, both the organization and Tann are celebrating this hard-earned success and setting an example for others along the way.
“Working in all of these different companies and for all these different brands, I didn’t really see many other people in the industry that looked like me,” said Tann. “I felt if I didn’t do well, there was the likelihood that another person like me getting that same opportunity might be slim. Now as a business leader, I can create a space that celebrates diversity, authenticity, and talent.”
In addition to Tann’s entrepreneurial spirit, he maintains a passion for service. Tann holds a keen focus on educating a new generation of communicators, designers, and creatives and has partnered and served communities within Atlanta Public Schools, Morehouse College, The Miami Ad School, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Schools.
From boardrooms to classrooms, David Tann fosters spaces where diversity can flourish, and the next generation can grow through his unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Atlanta’s business landscape hosts many shining stars, and Tann remains one of its brightest.
The Atlanta Business League’s 44th Annual CEO Awards Luncheon will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2023. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event registration page.
For more information on Tantrum Agency, please visit www.tantrumagency.com. For more information about The Atlanta Business League, please visit www.atlantabusinessleague.org.
Black-Owned Student Athlete Preparatory Academy Launches LA-based Pilot Program For Summer 2023
Black PR Wire
LOS ANGELES – Dual Threat Preparatory Academy, a Black-owned and operated educational program for student-athletes, is excited to announce the launch of its first summer program, the Blue Chip Academy, set to begin in July 2023.
Dual Threat is an educational program focused on providing student-athletes with the proper tools to excel in their sport of choice and outside of sports as academic and civically engaged young leaders.
This educational program will support student-athletes starting in the 6th grade. Each educational program will be based on topics that are applicable to the athlete’s age and sport. The program will cover topics such as Social Justice and Civic Engagement, Financial Literacy, Personal Health, and much more.
“Dual Threat Prep’s inaugural program will equip student-athletes with the skills necessary to make an impact outside of the game. Far too often, student-athletes are left to grapple with some of life’s most serious obstacles and transitions without the necessary support,” said Dual Threat’s Founder and Executive Director Kristina T. Wilson, Esq.
She continues “It takes more than talent and physical skills to be successful in sports, especially as athletes inevitably face some type of adversity inside or outside of sports. We’re excited to welcome 12 6th-grade and 7th grade student-athletes into our program this summer as we launch this curriculum to provide safe and substantive learning for students over the summer”
Applications to join the program will be available June 1, 2023 at https://dualthreatprep.org/
About Dual Threat Preparatory Academy
Dual Threat Preparatory Academy is an educational program that provides student-athletes with the proper foundation to excel in their respective sports while developing them into contributing members of society outside of athletics. By teaching student-athletes the “game” within the game, Dual Threat will instill the knowledge necessary to navigate life as a student-athlete on the high school, college, and professional levels. To learn more about Dual Threat Preparatory Academy, visit dualthreatprep.org
Celebrating the Tuskegee Airmen Legacy – #SoaringToGreaterHeights
Black PR Wire
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of The East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated (ECCTAI), the oldest and largest chapter of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. ECCTAI is dedicated to fostering recognition of and preserving the history of the original airmen, black achievements in aviation, and to inspiring and motivating young men and women toward endeavors in aviation, aerospace, and STEM careers and fostering workforce development in underserved and underestimated communities.
Our 50th Anniversary Celebration commenced with the 2023 Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day recognized on the fourth Thursday of March with the official wreath laying at the United States Air Force Memorial. Our Wreath Laying Ceremony honored our “Lonely Eagles” and our surviving Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen on Thursday, March 23rd. On March 29th, we hosted a fireside chat and reception with our living legends at Boeing Company, in Arlington Virginia.
This year not only marks a significant anniversary, we are also on the cusp of the first ever Presidential Proclamation to be signed by President Biden in recognition of our Commemoration Day. Our efforts have been led by Congresswomen Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.) and our consultant, Ms. Vanessa Butler. Congresswoman Holmes Norton also presented Resolution 249 on the floor of the House of Representatives designating March 23, 2023, “Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.” This resolution recognizes and celebrates the Tuskegee Airmen for their heroism, valor and exemplary service to our nation.
ECCTAI invites you to help PRESERVE the legacy of the Airmen through support of our educational assistance scholarships focused on STEM and hands-on training in the aviation field through our Youth In Aviation Program. With your donation, you will be ensuring that we achieve our national goal of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., “to motivate, inspire and stimulate young people’s minds to aspire to, seek and achieve successful careers in the fields of aviation and aerospace.”
Silent Auction – will run through Emancipation Day and end on Tuesday, April 18th; includes Airline flight experience, Airmen collectibles and autographed sports memorabilia Visit: https://one.bidpal.net/tacd2023
Donate Now – www.ecctai.org/donate. Choose the option for Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day
About the Tuskegee Airmen and ECCTAI
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American fighter pilots and support crews to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was recognized as one of the best Fighter Groups of World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen valiantly and expertly fought for a ‘Double Victory’. First, overseas against fascist enemy forces; and second, at home against racism, bigotry and segregation. A little-known fact, the Tuskegee Airmen were the winners of the first ‘Top Gun’ Competition – Mission Accomplished!
