Virginia NAACP on Walmart Slashing Diversity; Blacksonian Schedule; Del. Cousins on Roland Martin on Red Onion
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THIS SATURDAY!
December 2024 Blacksonian Schedule
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC… aka the Blacksonian) is rolling out their December 2024 schedule. On Dec. 13, the exhibition, “In Slavery’s Wake: Making Black Freedom in the World” will open. More events below.
Explore More! In STEM: How the Museum Uses Light
Dec. 4, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Second floor classrooms
Explore More! in STEM is a classroom program for ages eight and older to explore STEM concepts in relation to African American history, culture, or the museum. In this lesson, visitors will learn about what light is, how solar power is used in the museum, and the purpose of the museum's “Corona.” This event is free.
NMAAHC Kids Connect: Joyous Kwanzaa!
Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Fourth floor
Connect with history and culture through art and play at the NMAAHC! This month the museum is celebrating Kwanzaa. Learn about the seven principles of the holiday and create art inspired by African and African American stories. This event is free; however, registration is required.
Community Day: The Universal Message of Kwanzaa
Dec. 7, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. - Heritage Hall
Kwanzaa is deeply rooted in the history, culture and solidarity of the African diaspora. During a series of activities, visitors can explore ways to celebrate Kwanzaa for the first time, while others may find ways to refresh their existing practice of celebrating the holiday. This event is free; however, registration is required.
A Taste of Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook: Celebrating the Holiday with Family, Community and Tradition –A Conversation with Jessica B. Harris - Dec. 7, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. - Oprah Winfrey Theater
Jessica B. Harris, author of “High on the Hog,” will participate in a conversation with NMAAHC curator, Joanne T. Hyppolite, about Harris’ latest work, a new and updated edition of “A Kwanzaa Keepsake.” Books will be available for purchase from 6:30 p.m.–7 p.m. courtesy of Smithsonian Enterprises. After the presentation, the audience is invited to sample a tasting menu adapted from “A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook.” This event is free; however, registration is required.
Explore More! In STEM: The Legacy of Rice
Dec. 11, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. - Second floor classrooms
Explore More! in STEM is a classroom program for ages eight and older to explore STEM concepts in relation to African American history, culture and the museum. In this lesson, participants will learn about the Gullah Geechee people and their culture, how rice was and is cultivated in the U.S. and take a closer look at rice itself. This event is free.
Unfinished Conversations – A Screening and Discussion
Dec. 13, 7 p.m. - Oprah Winfrey Theater
The museum invites visitors to a screening of “Unfinished Conversations” documentary companion to the exhibition, “In Slavery’s Wake.” This documentary film invites audiences to learn more about global slavery and to the work to recover aspects of this lost history. The evening will conclude with a post-screening discussion that includes the curatorial team from the museum’s “In Slavery’s Wake” exhibition. This event is free; however, registration is required.
NMAAHC Kids Connect: Joyous Kwanzaa!
Dec. 19, 11 a.m. –1 p.m. - Fourth floor
Connect with history and culture through art and play at the NMAAHC! This month the museum is celebrating Kwanzaa. Learn about the seven principles of the holiday and create art inspired by African and African American stories. This event is free; however, registration is required.
Preservation Station: Exploring the Family Treasure Toolkit
Dec. 20, 1 p.m.–2 p.m. - Second floor classrooms
Explore the Family Treasures Toolkit and learn how to preserve your family treasures. This interactive session will be led by museum professionals highlighting general tips and activities to assist participants in preserving family heirlooms, photographs, books, quilts, textiles and more. This event is free; however, registration is required.
Community Day: Watching and Waiting for Freedom
Dec. 31, 11 a.m. –2 p.m. — Explore More Gallery second floor
In the United States, New Year’s Eve has been a cause for celebration for African Americans since December 31, 1862, when enslaved people in the Confederate States stayed up until midnight to watch and wait for the freedom granted by the Emancipation Proclamation. For the last 220 years, Haitians have celebrated Jan. 1 as the day marking their independence from French Colonial rule. The program will enable attendees to honor the past and present at the museum with activities that invite them to consider their hopes and dreams for the future, learn about the past, make art, and learn about foods that are associated with these holidays. This event is free; however, registration is required.
An Evening of Kuumba with Danielle Ponder
Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET - Virtual Broadcast
In celebration of Watch Night and Kuumba (Creativity) the sixth principal of Kwanzaa, NMAAHC will broadcast a replay of this moving concert from The FORWARD Conference, that took place in early November 2024. Often identified as a soul singer, Danielle Ponder’s versatile music is infused with bits of gospel, trip-hop, blues, R&B, and alt rock. This virtual broadcast is free; however, registration is required.
Virginia NAACP on Walmart’s Diversity Rollback
The Virginia NAACP is reacting to the news that Walmart is rolling back their diversity efforts say they are “deeply concerned about Walmart's recent decision to roll back its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.”
The Virginia NAACP also states that the move “disrespects the diverse customer base that Walmart serves across Virginia and the nation.”
When current Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin ran for office is 2021 he made a push against diversity, equity and inclusion and “CRT” a central issue of his campaign. The Republican party has made “anti-diversity” efforts central to their political strategy in what is a contemporary version of the southern strategy that always communicates to white voters that Black Americans are given unfair advantages.
“By aligning with those who support regressive policies reminiscent of Jim Crow, Walmart is sending a troubling message that the voices and needs of marginalized communities are secondary to appeasing a narrow political agenda,” the Virginia NAACP continued.
They are calling on “all community members, allies, and stakeholders to voice their concerns and hold corporations accountable for their commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
The contemporary diversity effort by corporations was taken up after the murder or George Floyd on May 25, 2020 by Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer. The efforts at a “racial recooking” after Floyd’s shocking murder soon waned. In June 2023, a majority of the U.S. Supreme Court built by Trump’s selections during his first term struck down affirmative action.
With the staunchly anti-diversity Trump Administration coming into office a second time in January 2025, other companies are expected to make similar announcements against diversity efforts.
Del. Rae Cousins on TV Regarding Problems at Red Onion Prison
Richmond Delegate Rae Cousin was interviewed by Roland Martin on Roland Martin Unfiltered on the reported problems at Red Onion Prison. There have been reports that prisoners have set themselves on fire because of poor treatment at the correctional facility.
Yesterday the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus put out a statement reacting to reports that prisoners were setting themselves on fire.
“The VLBC is horrified at recent reports of incarcerated individuals setting themselves on fire in response to the degrading and inhumane conditions at Red Onion State Supermax Prison in Wise County, Virginia,” wrote the VLBC on Nov. 26.
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