ArtsGo.Black - A Message from our Executive Director
Juneteenth, 2020
Dear Arts and Cultural Partners:
Two weeks ago, we launched the #ArtsGoBlack Campaign in order to express solidarity with all those protesting the horrific murders of countless members of our African Diaspora family by violent, racist attacks - all within 100 days: the most recent, Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta on June 14, 2020, Oluwatoyin Ruth "Toyin" Salau in Florida on June 6, 2020, David McAtee in Louisville, Kentucky on June 1, 2020, Tony McDade in Tallahassee on May 27, 2020, George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, Breonna Taylor in Louisville on March 13, 2020 and Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia on February 23, 2020.
It was a simple ask: Put a black “curtain” on your website home page and other social media platforms with the phrase “I Can’t Breathe,” and place a link(s) to direct actions for your audience and membership base to act upon (ie. donate to #BLM or Protestor Bail Funds). During this phase of the campaign, it was our hope that we, all of us, would take this time to have overdue conversations with our staff and our boards and ask ourselves: Is it enough to believe in equality if you are not willing to fight to end racism? What is the role of the arts if it isn’t activism and giving voice to those who have been silenced? What is the responsibility of philanthropy in this struggle? Is it enough to merely create a fund for extra monetary support? Is it enough for a grantee to use that money to continue programming as it was done yesterday - even if that programming is superb?
The response to this first phase was overwhelming and unexpected! Not only did arts and cultural nonprofits join us, but several key foundations did as well. Other organizations who chose not to go black on their homepage, nonetheless chose to issue extremely powerful letters of solidarity and support, like the statement from Jennifer Wright Cook, Executive Director of The Field and Alejandra Duque Cifuentes, Executive Director of Dance/NYC.
As a daughter of the African Diaspora, I come to you today to say that solidarity and support in the form of written testimonials is appreciated but simply not enough. It is not enough to say that you are not racist if you are not taking actions to end racism. It is not enough to write a letter or adopt a resolution in favor of racial justice if you are not taking action to end racial injustice.
As part of phase one of the #ArtsGoBlack Campaign, CCCADI revisited our mission and upon examination confirmed that we are one of the few, maybe the only, arts and cultural organizations that continue to address and advocate for cultural equity, racial and social justice through the centering of African-based arts, culture, education, and media programs and initiatives such as this.
Now, if you remain committed or are interested in becoming an authentic ally that is ready to look inward and take the challenge to hold yourself and others in your organization accountable, we invite you to take the next steps with us.
Today, on Juneteenth, CCCADI officially launches the #ArtsGoBlack Campaign for organizations that wish to take real action. If you want to join us, please visit artsgo.black and take the pledge. Once you have signed up, you will receive a toolkit for your use to let your constituents know that you are ready to end racism in the Arts and Cultural field as well as a questionnaire. This is everyone’s work so know that this is open to every organization, funder, agency, or business.
Remember, we keep saying that we will come out of this with a changed perspective, but change is only possible if we take concrete actions. That time is now.