BPL and BCRI to Host "Men of Change" Smithsonian Exhibit From September 16 Through December 2
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| From Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service: "Men of Change" |
The exhibition from the Smithsonian presents the narrative of a nation through the profiles of significant African American men who are icons in the country’s historical and cultural landscape. Birmingham will be the final stop on a 10-city national tour.
Created by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), “Men of Change” is made possible through the support of Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford.
“Men of Change” highlights revolutionary men—including Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, W.E.B. Du Bois and Kendrick Lamar—whose journeys have altered the history and culture of the country through politics, sports, science, entertainment, business and religion.
Each biography is paired with original artwork by a noted contemporary artist that accentuates the subjects’ individual legacies while examining broader themes of masculinity, Black identity, community tradition and more.
"The Birmingham Public Library is honored to partner with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to host the dynamic Men of Change exhibit," said Janine Langston, Executive Director of BPL. "Visitors will be moved and inspired by the powerful images and words that shine a light on the accomplishments of these men who have been through life's trials and demonstrated resilience, intellect, and bravery."
DeJuana Thompson, President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute said, "The BCRI is excited to host this dynamic exhibition, which brings into focus the many contributions of men of color and their undeniable impact on our country and culture."
"What drew me most to this powerful exhibit is the intergenerational and interdisciplinary focus, which reminds us how powerful an individual can be when they align their purpose and passion," Thompson said. "It is an honor for us to present this experience in partnership with the Birmingham Public Library, and we celebrate SITES and Ford Fund for believing in Birmingham. We join in tribute of “Men of Change” as we preserve the legacy of our own great men of change like Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, Bishop Calvin Woods, and many others,”
“We hope that by experiencing ‘Men of Change’ visitors will see a lesson for us all, regardless of gender, race or nationality,” said Myriam Springuel, director of SITES and Smithsonian Affiliations. “In these men we see an absolute ideal and a well of inspiration that encourages us to become our best selves.”
The portraits are on view at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. They present the Men of Change through a diversity of art forms from assemblage and sculpture to painting and video art. Featured artists include Nina Chanel Abney, Derrick Adams, Robert Pruitt, Devan Shimoyama, Mario Moore, SISSÒN, Shaun Leonardo and Hank Willis-Thomas.
The exhibition’s core content is on display at BPL's Central Library, 2100 Park Place, and delves into the themes of storytellers, myth-breakers, fathering, community, imagining, loving and catalysts.
Men of Change's exhibition on the first floor of the Central Library heralds the achievements of notable African American men from across decades, highlighting deep parallels between past and present. Whether physically walking through the exhibition or visiting online, you will encounter a world of men, women and communities that affirm the power of the African American journey and, ultimately, the American experience. Each category - Storytellers, Myth-Breakers, Community, Imagining, Catalysts, and Loving - presents a different view of men we might think we already knew.
Men of Change is a collage of stunning imagery, excerpts from literature, historical quotes, lyrics and poetry.
A diverse group of artists, advisors, academics, curators and museum professionals determined the men chosen as “Men of Change.” From Carter G. Woodson to Ryan Coogler, these men have changed entire fields, fought for justice, revolutionized art and touched millions of lives directly and indirectly.
These men serve as metaphor for the best of the American ideals, representing the many more men and the broader community that shaped them into important change agents. Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. also incorporates the names and language of others—men and women—that signify the power of the African American journey in the American story.
“Ford and the Smithsonian have a shared commitment to honoring people and achievements that reflect America’s diverse culture,” said Mary Culler, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Ford Fund is proud to bring ‘Men of Change’ to Birmingham to help showcase the legacies of African American men who have changed the world for the better.”
A private opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 16, and will culminate a week of public programming commemorating the 60th anniversary of the City of Birmingham's historic civil rights events of 1963.
Men of Change will be open for the public beginning Monday, September 18, and on display during Central Library operating hours through December 2, 2023.
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