Community Connect, is here to link you with resources you need… and this week, we’re lifting you up through our city's cultural history by honoring a Chicago legend!
Tomorrow (Sunday), Blanc Gallery in Bronzeville commemorates the centennial year of musician, poet and civil rights activist Oscar Brown, Jr. with the opening of the exhibit Radical Optimism: Celebrating 100 Years of Oscar Brown, Jr. that runs through October 10th.
Oscar Brown, Jr. was an artist who redefined what it meant to be free, Black, and unapologetically human. He worked with Dr. Martin Luther King and Muhammad Ali and turned street cries, jazz riffs, and community struggle into radical truth-telling art. He built a movement that proves there's "gold in the ghetto" and always aimed to help people see our community as a beautiful place.
The exhibit features a collection of rare photos, album covers, music and other special activations, and was curated in collaboration with muralist Dorian Sylvain, plus Oscar Brown Jr.’s two daughters, Maggie and Africa Brown, who have been spending their father’s centennial year sharing his legacy through many Chicago institutions.
The opening reception is tomorrow afternoon from 2-5pm, featuring an interview with his daughters Maggie and Africa who are amazing artists themselves. free event, you can reserve your spot at this link.
& Remember, our community connects to become better and stronger when we get all the help we need and give all the help we can!