"Men of Change" Exhibit at Central Library, BCRI to End This Saturday, December 2
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| From Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service: "Men of Change" |
Birmingham, Ala. - “Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth,”a powerful exhibit collaboration between The Birmingham Public Library and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, is concluding its 10-week run and closing at the end of operating hours this Saturday, December 2, 2023. The exhibit opened at both BCRI and the Central Library downtown on September 16.
The exhibition 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 is 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.
A church from Leeds, the Tower of Prayer, is bringing a dozen men in its TOP Men's Fellowship to see the exhibit in person at 12:30 p.m. Saturday before it closes, said Apostle C. Shaemun Webster.
"We consider ourselves to be men of change in our communities and wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about these powerful Men of Change featured in this exhibit," Apostle Webster said. We appreciate the Birmingham Public Library and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for bringing this Men of Change exhibit to our region."
Each biography in the Men of Change exhibit 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. For a list of the featured Men of Change and artists, click here.
"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."
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. 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. 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.
Men of Change will be open for the public during Central Library operating hours through 6:00 p.m. this Saturday, December 2, 2023.
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