The Banneker-Douglass Museum, a unit of the Maryland Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, launched The Black Vote Mural Project exhibit on Saturday, February 15, 2020.
The Black Vote Mural Project exhibit recognizes historic movements for the right to vote by exploring the intersection of public art, black voices and civil rights with sixteen murals that transform the interior galleries of the museum.
Painted by regional artists, these murals interpret the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) 2020 theme: African Americans and the Vote.
“Maryland is proud to recognize African American heroes and icons who fought for equality, justice, and the right to vote,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I appreciate the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and Banneker-Douglass Museum for working tirelessly to keep these important legacies alive, and to promote and protect African American history and culture in Maryland.”
Courtesy Photo/Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives
Artworks in the Black Vote Mural Project commemorate the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, which was the culmination of the women’s suffrage movement. Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed 2020 as the Year of the Woman in honor of this historic milestone and women heroes from Maryland.
The goal of The Black Vote Mural Project is to provide visitors with a dynamic experience that demonstrates artistic excellence, cultural expression, and historical preservation. Through this exhibit and our public programs, we will highlight important milestones in the year 2020 – the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment (1920) which was the culmination of the women’s suffrage movement and is honored by the Year of the Woman proclaimed by Governor Hogan; and the sesquicentennial of the Fifteenth Amendment (1870) which gave black men the right to vote after the Civil War. This project will examine these stories, celebrate memories, preserve history, and illuminate cultural experiences that demonstrate we are stronger together.
“As an election year, it is critical that we consider the power of African American voices,” said Chanel Compton, executive director, Banneker-Douglass Museum. “Our impact on the political process can be seen through these murals which educate, inspire, and move us toward a stronger future by examining our past.”
Featured artists include: Steuart Hill Academic Academy; Ryan Allen; Bowie State University (Public Arts Class); Nikki Brooks; Jay Coleman; Lloyd Foster; Olivia Gittens; Jabari Jefferson; Gina Lewis; Megan Lewis; Janie McGee; Gretta McGill; Future History Now; Latoya D. Peoples; Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell; James Terrell; and Ernest Shaw.
The Banneker-Douglass Museum will host monthly programs for people of all ages and backgrounds such as lectures, youth conferences and celebrations. Voter registration will be featured at signature events. The Black Vote Mural Project is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until December 28, 2020.
For more information about the program series, visit https://bdmuseum.maryland.gov/events.