The state of Black arts in
Pittsburgh is at best rocky – there is no solid ground. When funders
underwrite studies that barely touch on
the fragile status of Black arts organizations (not including the life or death
soap opera of the August Wilson Center for African American Culture), it
signals that our institutions are in at best a tenuous position.
Aside from the obvious
funding issues, what can be done? I offer these suggestions (not be confused
with solutions – those aren't my call):
Show the eff up. Empty seats at performances are trifling. White
folks outnumbering black folks in the audience is humiliating to presenters and
performers because they create their art for Black people (you and me) – in a
unending quest to give our voices life. If we don't show up, it sends a very
cold message that doesn't inspire faith. It says “I care more about my weave,
my nails and rims than I do about the
well-being and vibrancy of my neighborhood and community.”
Priorities. If we don't speak our truth or share our truth
we cease to count. Another reason why we gotta show up – everywhere. Show up at
the performances and presenters have a better shot of funding (see above). Show
up at the voting booth (on a regular basis) ensures that there are people of
color in positions of influence and power when budget and funding decisions are
made.
Accountability. Our tax dollars are used to fund the arts. If we
want to share and preserve our truths, our culture, our voices, we must
participate beyond Black History Month, because we have art, culture, truths,
history, voice and points of view that shouldn't be relegated to the shortest
damn month of the year (there, I said it).
When we become a persistent
presence, when we show up, we become secure in standing our ground.
#blackartmatters
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