Sukai Eccleston- FRSA’s Post

Did You Know? Art can be more than just an expression of creativity; it can also be used as activism! From the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s, which brought attention and pride in black culture, all the way up until today, black artists have used their art as catalysts for important conversations and movements. Here are a few black artists that demonstrates how art can be used as an effective tool for social change. 1.Jean-Michel Basquiat: Known for his Neo- expressionist style, Basquiat’s art often addressed social issues, race, and inequality. 2.Kara Walker: Renowned for her powerful and provocative silhouettes, Walker explores themes of race, gender, and history in her work. 3.Faith Ringgold: A pioneer in the feminist art movement, Ringgold uses her art to address issues of race and gender, combining storytelling with visual elements. 4.Gordon Parks: A multifaceted artist, Parks was a photographer, musician, and filmmaker who documented the Civil Rights Movement, bringing attention to social issues through his lens. 5.Lorna Simpson: Recognized for her conceptual photography and collage work, Simpson often tackles themes related to identity, race, and gender. These artists have left a lasting impact on the art world and have used their creative expression to contribute to important conversations surrounding social change.🎨 #HappyBlackHistoryMonth

You are looking at the yin and yang of social change. If you do not know Osa Atoe, you been missing out.  Sis is a punk’ rockin’ ceramist whose work is among the most elegant, consistent, and resonant I have seen.  She is deeply generative and curates Kaabo Clay Collective, a mutual aid network for Black ceramic artists around the world. My organizational systems change work is in a different media.  It too includes lots of reshaping, collapsing, and heat to shape vessels for change.  We too get messy in the process.  Like Osa, I cannot see myself doing anything else. We’ve had a clay-ship for a few years and finally had the opportunity to meet this week when I was in Sarasota, Florida.  Having had a few Zoom meetings and phone calls, we were not new to each other and fell right into step.  I got to visit her studio, meet her family, and break bread as we explored so many dimensions of what it means to be a self-possessed Black woman. To all of us Sistahs out here doing this creative work - whatever it may look like- please do not forget to bring beauty in your life daily.  Partnerships with other creatives brings ease, grace, and durability to what can otherwise become a grind. Agreed? Who are some of the like-minded creatives in your life? Tag them below. #BlackWomen #Creativity #Art #RacialEquity #Inclusion #Belonging

QUESTION OF THE DAY… What do black and white teach us about the world we live in today? After watching the recent presidential debate and thinking about the world we live in today, so many thoughts jog through my mind when I think of the racism and division that is continually forming within each political party & within our own communities. If only we could realize that both black and white are opposites in the purest form, yet when they come together, they create something timeless and powerful. Each on its own is strong, but together they produce balance and depth, just like us. In today’s world, we may look different, speak different languages, or come from different places, but when we stand side by side, we form something greater than ourselves. We blend not to lose who we are, but to enrich one another with our collective beauty and intelligence. Let black and white remind us that it’s in our contrasts that we find strength, and in our diversity that we find unity. In all honesty, the world needs every shade to truly shine. 🌍🖤🤍 P.S. You can grab this unisex ‘Black Vintage Style Classic Retro Cowboy Panama Fedora Hat’ or the cross necklace that I’m wearing from Top It Off, located at 309 East Main Street, Murfreesboro NC 27855. Store hours: Tues-Sat, 10:30a-7:30p. You can also shop online 24/7 at https://lnkd.in/e3ysQCj6. #Fyp #BlackandWhite #Unity #Diversity #StrongerTogether #Harmony #ContrastAndBeauty #Inspiration #Inclusivity #TogetherWeStand #OneWorld #Equality #DifferentYetOne #UnityInDiversity #PeaceAndLove #HumanConnection #GlobalCommunity #EmbraceDifferences #StandTogether #CelebrateDiversity #CollectivePower #Humanity #StrengthInDiversity #Oneness #WeAreOne #TopItOff #NC #SmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #HapppySaturday * I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC *

What's the role of art in life? Jackson Pollock says, "Art is coming face to face with yourself." Creative expression has always acted as a window into the soul of society and the self. And that includes expressing diverse voices. Art shapes our world in ways we did not think of. Art has the unique capability to touch our souls. It is one of the most powerful ways to evoke empathy and inclusivity. And to confront and examine biases. Perhaps, art can really wash the "dust of daily lives off our souls" as Picasso mused. How does art do that? Read our thoughts on how art bridges divides and fosters empathy. Don't miss out on 5 actionable ways to leverage the arts for Inclusion and Belonging. Link for the blog in comments below Amruta Choudhury Aruna Ganesh Ram #linkedin #inclusion #workculture #bias

We're about half way through #BlackHistoryMonth with its theme of reclaiming narratives. The official website describes this as 'a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and full complexity of Black heritage.' I can't help it, I immediately thought of #collage. In my book 'Collage as a Creative Coaching Tool' I describe how collage has never gone out of fashion as a provocative medium for expressing and addressing topical issues. Making it ideal as a powerful and visual way of exploring, capturing and reclaiming narratives. It's a projective technique that involves deconstructing and reconstructing ideas, material and emotions. The process combines diverse source materials into a coherent whole, while holding juxtapositions and reflecting back our complex and nuanced lives, values and society. That's why, whether created for artistic purposes, to address a societal issue or within the coaching context, every collage holds a narrative. So I was pleased to see there's going to be a 'Black History Month digital collage workshop' hosted by Europeana.eu. I'm not facilitating, but wanted to share this event which speaks to my love and passion for collage as tool for recreating narratives, #storytelling, reimagining, transforming, shifting attitudes and enabling action. The free event takes place online on October 31st. Learn more and book your place using the link. https://lnkd.in/eVfWMeSn Featured image: A small section of a collage I created earlier this year evoking my thoughts on the collective experience of being black. The word 'repare' relates to both reparation and repair. #BHM2024 #ReclaimTheNarrative

(White Man in) Hammersmith Palais: Searching for Unity in Diversity I promised The Clash for my next Post. Widely considered to be their greatest song, in the lyrics of The Clash's "(White Man in) Hammersmith Palais," we find a stark message 42 years on from the song's release that was evident in the weekend's riots in the UK: "If Adolf Hitler flew in today, they'd send a limousine anyway." This lyric is a reminder of the vigilance needed to combat racisim and far right nationalism and promote understanding across different cultures and ideologies. Moreover, the song challenges us further with the words, "White youth, black youth, better find another solution." It emphasises the urgency of finding new ways to resolve cultural conflicts, underscoring the importance of unity and innovative thinking in our approach to diversity. Leaders and influencers must champion these ideals: Foster Open Dialogue: Create safe spaces for all voices to be heard, enabling white youth and black youth, and everyone in between, to share their experiences and perspectives. This enriches our collective understanding and dismantles prejudices. Implement Inclusive Policies: Our policies should not only prevent discrimination but actively promote equity and equality, celebrating the diverse tapestry of backgrounds that each person brings to society. Educational Initiatives: Invest in ongoing education that addresses cultural competence and sensitivities, ensuring future generations are equipped to contribute to a harmonious (but not homogenous) society. Proactive Conflict Resolution: Develop robust protocols that address conflicts with empathy and fairness, ensuring that all parties feel respected and valued. Understand that there is Unity in Diversity: beneath our cultural differences who are we all? Ask Maslow. The lyrics of The Clash aren't just a reflection on societal issues then and now; they are a call to action for all of us to pave the way for a more inclusive and understanding world. Let's drive the proverbial limousine not just towards tolerance, but towards active celebration of our differences. #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #CulturalCompetence #TheClash #PeacefulResolution #Maslow

Charles White b. 1918, Chicago, IL - d. 1979, Los Angeles, CA Charles White believed that artists had a moral obligation to contribute to social discourse. His work aggressively addressed racial injustice and economic disparity in America. In the 1940s and 50s, White produced powerful works like "Soldier" (1944) and "Preacher" (1940), which vividly depicted the struggles and dignity of African Americans. His etching "Cat’s Cradle" (1972) and "Hear This" (1942) further showcased his ability to blend art with activism. White’s work frequently addressed racial and economic inequality but avoided being drearily burdened by politics. His commitment to figuration and directly addressing social and political concerns established him as a major figure in American art. Music also played a significant role in his work, with affectionate drawings of gospel singers and collaborations with notable figures like Harry Belafonte. White’s later works continued to address social justice and civil rights with increasing stylistic crispness. His "J’Accuse" series confronts viewers with sensitively rendered portraits of Black Americans, emphasizing their innate dignity against stark white backgrounds. The "Wanted Poster" series, with its monochromatic oil-wash and lithographs mimicking old wanted posters for runaway slaves, reveals his frustration at the slow pace of civil rights implementation in America. This exhibition at MoMA offers an in-depth look at White’s career and his unwavering commitment to addressing social and political issues through art. It showcases the breadth of his work and his influence on generations of artists. #CharlesWhite #MoMA #ContemporaryArt #ArtHistory #SocialJustice #CivilRights #FigurativeArt #ArtisticVision #BlackArt #PoliticalArt #ArtisticExpression #GalleryExhibit #ArtInspiration #FineArt #IconicArt

Why is Black History Awareness also relevant in Switzerland? In conversations about DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) with clients and contacts I have been confronted with statements as blunt as "racism doesn't exist in Switzerland" or "it's different here, we don't have issues like the US so we don't need initiatives like #BlackLivesMatter " This is not true. A comprehensive study from December 2022 (link in first comment) shows that in Switzerland in the areas of work, housing, authorities and naturalisation, politics and, in some cases, social security and police and justice, there is documented evidence of institutional and structural discrimination. February is also carnival (Fasnacht) in most of Switzerland - a wonderfully colourful celebration and also a celebration where racist, sexist, and other -ist views persist. Have you also noticed that? So let's spotlight an important conversation: acknowledging the challenges people of colour face in Switzerland. While we celebrate our diverse culture, it's crucial to recognize that racism persists in our structures. This is a call to action. Let's use this month to educate ourselves, amplify voices, and work towards a more inclusive society. Join me in addressing these challenges for a fairer and more equitable Switzerland. #BlackHistoryMonth #RacismInSwitzerland #InclusionMatters

This design was inspired by the beauty of our black people, and the belief that as a people have always been confident, and overachievers. #BLACKISBEAUTIFUL, #EQUALITY, #BLACKNESS, #SOCIALEQUALITY, #RACIALEQUALITY, #BLACKPOWER, #SHARPTON, #BLACKCULTURE, #THENEWBLACK, #BLACKGIRLMAGIC,

This Black History Month, the theme is "Reclaiming Narratives", pushing towards the recognition and correction of Black history. 📖 Place2Be's Art Room team has developed two activities to help young people feel empowered, and tap into their own stories this #BlackHistoryMonth. 🎨 Download these activities for free today, and encourage your students to explore narratives from inspirational Black people, and consider: 🙌🏾 who inspires them ✊🏾 how they can be a trailblazer