Today many across the nation and throughout the world pay respect to Rev., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was this day, fifty-one years ago when he was slain by an assassin’s bullet. The result was a public outcry not seen before, as over 100 cities erupted in riots and demonstrations.
1963-1983
Several weeks ago, the Broad museum opened Soul of a Nation chronicling twenty years; 1963-1983. It is a powerful exhibit showcasing African-American artist who used their talent to communicate the movement and the struggle during that era. Interestingly, several of the artist used Dr. King’s death in 1968 as a backdrop for their artistic talent.
The exhibit is a “special presentation” so the cost is $18 per person, however The Broad is offering free admission to Soul of a Nation every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.) during the exhibition’s run. A tip is to arrive early and stand in the “free general admission line” AND GET INSIDE THE MUSEUM. Once you are inside, you are good because at 5 p.m., the exhibit opens for general admission viewing. The exhibit runs through September and then moves to San Francisco at the De Young museum, which opens in October 2019.
From Negroes to African-Americans
I had a chance to visit the exhibit. Some of the artwork brought back vivid memories. There was an abundance of material I had never seen but it reflected the interpretive period. Sometimes we live in historic times and do not realize it as it seems like life as usual. The Harlem Renaissance was a benchmark period for African-American music and art. Years followed and the civil rights era brought back similar expressions as artist appeared in droves to interpret that era. It was a new time, a new level of consciousness as Negroes morphed into African-Americans and created a new dynamic. The exhibit does a great job of showcasing that period featuring very good diversity among the art work presented.
Listed below is a small sample of some photos from the exhibit
The Broad Museum - 221 S. Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012
Thomas Reports 