Négritude

My name is Natalie Courtney I am a graduating senior Electronic Studio arts major. I am pleased to introduce you to my concept for Howard University’s Student Led Visual Art Exhibition. My goal is to put on an exclusive exhibition for Howard Students. This year’s theme is Negritude based on DC’s famous Black Broadway, currently known as U Street. Black Broadway was a center for African-American culture and social change during the Jim Crow era, paving the way for generations of students to hone their voices and create an impact. Most notably, icons such as Zora Neale Hurston and Mary McLeod Bethune found refuge and influence through Black Broadway. What many people do not remember, however, is that Howard University was one of the leading forces behind the success and growth of Black Broadway. Howard Theater, alum, students, and more helped cultivate the culture and atmosphere of Black Broadway and I think it is only right if we honor this legacy through Howard students once more. The Student Exhibition will be the perfect avenue to remind and re-teach the history of Black Broadway to the community and revive it with a contemporary lens. While the exhibition will center mainly on the visual arts, showcases in the artistic avenues of theater, and music will play a major role in helping us bring this story to life. Let us bring Black Broadway home once more with Negritude. The shows opening night of the Exhibition will be March 18th. The opening night will be located in Founders Library on Howards Campus, where the art will be exhibited to students, faculty and donors. Then will be transitioned to the Gala portion of the night, which will be located in the Dupont Underground. This will be open from 18th-20 and 25th-27th of March. We would use this money to pay the band, dj, artists , organizers, and materials for the space.