How should cultural institutions acknowledge Black histories? Join Makeeba McCreary, chief of learning and community engagement at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston; Jason Talbot, co-founder of Artists For Humanity and Radical Black Girl's Destiny Polk for a discussion inspired by the MFA’s annual Juneteenth commemoration. Moderating is art historian Dr. Nikki A. Greene. The panelists discuss the history of cultural institutions, as well as recent racist harassment experienced by the children of the Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy while visiting the MFA.
Art historian examining African and African American identities, music, the body, and feminism in 20th century and contemporary art. She is the Visual Arts Editor of Transition magazine, published by the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University (Indiana University Press). She is the recipient of the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Art and Africana Studies at Wellesley College, the Woodrow Wilson Career Advancement Fellowship, and the Richard D. Cohen Fellowship at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. IMage: Wellesley
Dr. McCreary is currently the chief of learning and community engagement at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. She has spent 20 years in educational policy, designed and managed philanthropic investment for global brands such as Nike Inc., Jordan Brand, National Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Darden Inc. Dr. McCreary’s early career was spent in direct service delivery with opportunity youth. In addition to her direct student work, she has designed, programmed and supported team-problem solving with urban public school teachers in order to reduce the disproportionate special education designation of Black and Latino children.
Des Polk is concerned about speaking truth to a country that attempts to rewrite its own history while having actively tried to suppress African and Native American history and culture. She is also deeply passionate about advocating for marginalized groups of people, especially low-income communities of color, womxn of color and young self identifying black girls.
Jason Talbot is a co-founder of Artists For Humanity (AFH), a Boston non-profit organization that combines art and entrepreneurship to address society’s most challenging social, economic and racial issues. Currently serving as Special Projects Director and member of AFH’s Board of Directors, Jason has dedicated the last 25 years of his life ensuring that these young people are not ignored by encouraging their self-expression through art, and by serving as an example of how to create a bright future.