The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
An inclusive exhibition of history, achievement, and excellence written to a Black future
To celebrate Black History Month, Gathering Place is unveiling a new art installation entitled, “Dear Black Future,”—an immersive, visual art exhibit with a focus on honoring Black history by inspiring a Black future. The concept of this installation was captured by visual anthropologist and Tulsa Artist Fellow Marlon Hall.
“Dear Black Future” is an ethnographic video and photo exhibition with a QR code-led installation in which attendees can hear stories from Burroughs Elementary students share their dreams. Large photographs of the students reflect a promising Black future that honors the past. The installation also features a film, instructions for the public to write a four-word letter to a Black future, and a series of interviews featuring subjects who speak on heritage and letters.
“The hope of this exhibition and its community engagement programs is to honor the history of Black achievement and excellence by inviting people of all races and ethnic stories to write to the bounty and beauty of a Black future,” says artist Marlon Hall. “A future that will continue to nourish the sum total of human flourishing as it has in the past and as it does in the present.”
“Dear Black Future” will premiere in ONEOK Boathouse on Friday, February 11, and is open to the public every day through February 28.
“We are excited to be in partnership with Marlon Hall for this one-of-a-kind Black history art exhibition for the Tulsa community,” says Heather Alexander, Vice President of Programming. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to this interactive and immersive experience where our hope is they will be inspired by the achievement of Black Tulsans by celebrating the past and honoring a Black future.”
In addition to this art installation, Gathering Place and Marlon Hall are also collaborating on two events taking place on February 26, both of which will highlight the theme of seeking an inclusive and positive future.
Dear Black Future: Yoga Practice
Saturday, February 26, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
The first event is a special yoga practice led by a micro-orchestra, with musical direction from Ayilla. The yoga practice is free for all ages and all athletic abilities are welcome. Class size is limited, and space is offered at a first-come, first-seated. We ask all attendees to please bring their own mat.
Dear Black Future: A Pecha Kucha Styled Manifestation of the Future
Saturday, February 26, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
The second event is “A Pecha Kucha Styled Manifestation of the Future.” Pecha Kucha is Japanese for “Chit-Chat.” In this presentation, Marlon Hall invites guest presenters to speak and share their inspirations, achievements, hopes, and dreams for a Black future in Tulsa. Featured presenters include Dominick Ardis, Regina Tisdale, Brandon Wade, Carolyn Sickles, Rue Rob, Tiffany Tisdale, Kajeer Yar, Jericka Wortham, and Latoya Rose. The event will take place inside ONEOK Boathouse and is free for all ages, but a reservation is required to attend. To RSVP, please email rsvp@gatheringplace.org.
For more information about “Dear Black Future” and related events, please visit www.gatheringplace.org/artinthepark.
