February is a time to honor and celebrate Black Americans who’ve made an undeniable impact in moving us forward as a nation.
As we reflect on February as Black History Month it is important to include Black Disability History. Throughout the history of the United States there have been many influential Black people with disabilities who shaped our history.
Community Arts Connection is celebrating Black History Month with various forms of art, showcasing both the talents of each of the artists and the accomplishments and struggles of African Americans in history. Spearheaded by Instructor Charmaine Bynoe-Norsen, the projects include quilts, self-portraits, weaving, dances, and much more.
Damon Thomas and Cedric Hurrell, two Community Arts Connection artists, worked on some of these projects. They say it’s fun and impactful to celebrate their culture. Damon says his art helps him do that.
“I’m trying the best I can to keep the ways of my culture,” he said.
Damon is making a quilt that includes a pop art quote, “You have failed this city,” from the comic book Green Arrow and tying it in with what’s relevant for African Americans today. He explains the quilt is about how police and the criminal justice system have failed his community and wanting to come together in times of trouble. He says it also has ties to the history of slavery and oppression.
Cedric, who made a self-portrait for his project, says he enjoys celebrating his culture in all art forms. Recently, his class got to see a gospel choir and jazz ensemble concert where the musicians honored the work of Quincy Jones. Cedric says his favorite part was watching the girl playing the bass and how the horns came together with the strings.
“Music means a lot to me. I like supporting black history and looking at different cultures,” he said.
Charmaine says the group worked together on a larger quilt representing the “North Star,” which was a symbol for freedom for slaves. She says creating this kind of art and celebrating Black History Month is important to her for several reasons.
“It’s a chance to really showcase the talents of African Americans and people of African descent, and how our cultures can connect with each other, how they overlap, the intersectionality with black culture and disabilities, making sure we’re seen and heard, and also advocating for change,” she said.
At the end of the month, Community Arts Connection is hosting their Black History Month Celebration which will include a showcase of the various projects the students have been working on throughout the month, as well as performances from several artists in the Rochester community. Cedric specifically, will be performing a bass solo to the song “Diamonds” by Rihanna. The Creative Movement class will also be performing “I’m a Mean Old Lion” from The Wiz. And so far from the community, Charmaine has organized with Dominique El Bae from the Rochester Black Arts Council to bring in local poet, Sheba Lawrence, dancer Chris Noel, and artist Lujar join the show.
The Black History Month Celebration at CAC is open to the public on February 27th at noon in the CAC Dance Room at 985 Elmwood Avenue in Rochester.
To learn more about Community Arts Connection, visit https://arcmonroe.org/services/day-habilitation/community-arts-connection/
Cedric Hurrell has been going to CAC for a few years. While with the program, he enjoys dancing and going to museums. He is part of the 585 Vibes band and wants to take a line dancing class.
Damon Thomas has been going to Community Arts Connection (CAC) for 16 years. His favorite activities there are quilting and playing music. He’s also part of the band, 585 Vibes.
Charmaine Bynoe-Norsen has been with Community Arts Connection for more than three years. Quilting was actually a new skill Charmaine acquired while working at CAC. She also enjoys ceramics, traveling, and being a dog mom.