Black Women Activists
- Aretha Thompson
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Today, in support of this amazing project, I decided to explore black art. During my search, I came across something unexpected. I was so excited to learn about an art exhibit entitled "Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women's Activism." It's a project run by the National Museum of African American History and Culture through the Smithsonian Institution and features both a physical exhibit in Washington, D.C. as well as a virtual/online collection. The exhibit centers around renowned educator and reformer Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955). It also features the lives and stories of other black women social change agents of the past past and present.
"Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women’s Activism" is a dynamic reimagining of the space dedicated to Mary McLeod Bethune and the National Council of Negro Women. The exhibit features 75 images, 35 artifacts, a multimedia film, an interactive engagement and an eight-foot-tall plaster sculpture of Mary McLeod Bethune. This gallery illuminates connections across time to Black women changemakers who continue Mary McLeod Bethune's social justice legacy.
I am so interested in this exhibit that I am considering a road trip/weekend getaway to check it out in-person. In the meantime, I am so looking forward to visiting the online site to learn more about the lives of these women, especially Mary McLeod Bethune. I have heard about Ms. McLeod Bethune over the years, but truly want to know more about her accomplishments.
I would like to encourage us all to explore this important exhibit and discuss it. My guess is that we will find some inspiration and gain a better understanding of what each of these women stood for. I can send an updated post to share all that I learned.
If you wish to set up a meeting time to explore together or discuss, just hit me up. We can meet for a video chat!
To access the online exhibit and learn more, click here.
Have a happy learning day!
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