Afro Futurist February
Afro-Futurist February is designed to enhance and nuance the perspective offered by the platform of Black History Month. Encouraging folks, especially young people, to study Black history and to utilize an understanding of that history to gaze deeply and imaginatively into the future and begin building towards it in the present! In its inaugural year, Master Artist Michael Bernard Stevenson Jr. has planned a series of presentations for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School in NE Portland, as well as a series of presentations as part of their current exhibition at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art entitled Educate to Liberate which features a contemporary reproduction of the photograph of famous Black Panther Party co-founder, Huey P. Newton.
Week 1: Afro Contemporary Art Archive
The various live online events, presentations, and conversations will be recorded and available for viewing at the Afro Contemporary Art Archive at Portland State University Library which is also in its founding year.
Week 3: Mental and Physical Health
A participatory event facilitated by Lex Weaver, a mental and physical wellness coach. Inspired by Master Artist Michael Bernard Stevenson Jr.’s daily smoothie practice, Afro Contemporary Bicycle Dancing, and their use of popular AAVE phrase “Get it Gurrrl!” Lex educates and guides a group of students through traditional self care practices and finishes up with a breathing exercise and some yoga!
Week 2: Identity
A conversation between Master Artist Michael Bernard Stevenson Jr. and Lisa Nicole Jarrett as they discuss how their identities factor into their creative work. Topics included: Diana Ross’ unmatched hair over the years, Quilts by Faith Ringgold, Michael evolving into their next Pokemon phase, Lisa’s mom in Jet magazine, and more. Check. out the recording below!
Week 4: Talking About Food
We had a blast at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today in our final episode of Afro Futurist February with E.J. Turner-Nelson and Jewan Manuel of Plant Based Papi talking about food! 🎉 Afterwards Elijah and I are excited and looking forward to @itsplantbasedpapi’s pop up this upcoming Saturday with old friends @veggiefam.la 🍗🥪🍄 #BlackHistoryMonth #AfroFuturistFebruary 🚀
