Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum Part 3 Using Tactical Urbanism as a tool

Using tactical urbanism, as a tool and art in placemaking,  Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum kicked off its Community Mural Beautification and Educational Workshops on July 15th,2019. Professional artists working with the museum provided a series of workshops and mural training. The first project of this series was held at the Mack Road Valley High Community center.  Youth were introduced to film documentaries from the artist of the Harlem Renaissance, youth who attend learned about jazz artists, poets and writers, and visual artists, who were legendary and made a historical impacted through the arts.  The Harlem Renaissance was an intellectual, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, spanning 1918–37. At the time, it was known as the "New Negro Movement", named after The New Negro, a 1925 anthology edited by Alain Locke. 

Shonna McDaniels, Executive Director a visual artist, and community activist envisioned an institution to preserve Black history and celebrate the accomplishments of African American people and their legacy. Offering resources to document, preserve and educate the public on the history, life, and culture of African Americans.

Want to join me in making a difference? Shonna asked David Washington the question he said yes. He is a motivated muralist with five years’ experience and enthusiasm for developing a curriculum for community arts education. He brings with him a deep architecture and art history knowledge. He started at SOJO Summer Camp as a volunteer-created fun and educational activities for campers. 

David painted images on a bench themed after, W.H. Johnson, with one of Langston Hughes Poetry benches, also the raised bed, and other elements of the garden.