This past weekend, I attended the “Black Identity: Redefining the Black Body”. While I went to support a friend, this event exceeded my expectations (mostly because I wasn’t sure what to expect). Black ID (hosted by The Carr Center and Stay Laced), is a 6-week art exhibition on display at The Carr Center by local Detroit artists showcasing various social and racial issues in America while also creating “a new message of the black body”. The event I attended was a kick-off of the exhibition and an opportunity to put some of Detroit’s talent on display. Outside of the various pieces of art throughout the building, the program included local singers, rappers, poets and musicians making their own spectacular performances.

Side note: I’m the type of music fan that loves finding “unpopular” artists and supporting them until they blow up. Seeing and hearing that amazing performances from Charity Ward got me excited about 1) finding new music (I think I’ve played Bruno Mars’ album into the ground) and 2) supporting a Detroit BLACK FEMALE artist. Oh the joy in my heart!!! Which is one of the reasons I realized this event encompassed so many of my favorite things: art, food (even though I missed it, I heard the food was bomb), music, Detroit, and passionate, driven young black people. What a time! More than anything, it made me think about the conversation we had during our orientation week and made me even more proud and accepting of my body! As I examined the art, I reflected on myself.

But anyway, I highly encourage anyone who has the time to check out the exhibition over the next couple of weeks. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! The Carr Center will also host various events every Saturday until the end of the exhibition with events including poverty/hip hop night, youth workshop, movie night, artist talk and ending with the Closing Reception.

While this post may seem like a shameless plug (which it is definitely not, just a tad more informative than previous posts), I really wanted to share an event that I’m geeked about and want others to geek out over. To have an on-going event to breakdown black stereotypes while it highlights and platforms black excellence and talent is truly a gift. Besides, there’s nothing like going to a function and hearing that infamous song by Juvenile. It’s for the culture. 🙂

http://www.thecarrcenter.org/events/