Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power
One of my favorites activities to do with the girls is to visit museums. It’s a lot of work I must admit, and a test of my patience even, but totally worth it! The dialogue and questions raised are such amazing teaching moments as Modern Mother’s. Explaining the realities we live in both good and bad. Teaching acceptance and inclusivity. Creating open minded little beings.
I truly believe it's important for children to see themselves in books, movies, art, and places they may visit. This is no different when visiting museums, which is why we celebrated Black History Month, visiting the DeYoung's exhibit, "Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983. I was able to share historic moments with the girls, and show them the importance of how knowing your history can pave the way for your future. Below are a few photos from the exhibit.
This photo was one of my favorites from our trip to the DeYoung, it shows the challenge of having two little ones at a museum, but the sweetness and love these two bring. Having an open dialogue, answering the curiosities and questions of what the art means, it gives insight to even our young children, and it shows them the importance of constantly learning. It brings me so much joy that the girls have the opportunity to experience places like the DeYoung Museum.
Below you can find a link to the DeYoung Museum, and a message from the Director, Thomas P Campbell, in which he shares a Message of Solidarity, as well as a few other resources were you can learn more about the Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983 exhibition.
It is critical now more than ever to teach our children to love, to accept, and to also stand up for themselves. We are in challenging times, and teaching about race, diversity, and the importance of inclusivity is at an all time high. It is never too soon to educate our children, and empower them with knowledge. I encourage you to take some time and learn more about the exhibit, and share your next visit to the museum with your children!
Barkley L. Hendricks, 'What's Going On,' 1974. Oil, acrylic, and magna on cotton canvas, 65 3/4 x 83 3/4 in. (167 x 212.7 cm). © Estate of Barkley L. Hendricks. Courtesy of the artist’s estate and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
Links to Resources:
Message of Solidarity: https://deyoung.famsf.org/solidarity-black-lives-matter
Exhibition Details: https://deyoung.famsf.org/exhibitions/soul-of-a-nation
Soul of a Nation Book: https://shop.famsf.org/products/soul-of-a-nation-art-in-the-age-of-black-power?_pos=3&_sid=d63b7e0cb&_ss=r
The Guardian write up: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/nov/09/how-the-art-of-black-power-shook-off-the-white-gaze
Black Literature: https://shop.famsf.org/products/1960-now?_pos=9&_sid=d63b7e0cb&_ss=r
Social Justice Books for Children: https://socialjusticebooks.org/booklists/civil-rights-teaching/classroom/