2022 was a landmark year for Black in Mayberry. It marked the beginning of a journey to use the arts as a powerful tool in combating racism and uplifting the voices of the Black community. From our very first steps, we were met with overwhelming support from individuals and organizations that shared our vision for a more just and inclusive world.
We launched Black in Mayberry with a mission to celebrate and amplify Black creativity and activism. One of our proudest moments was exhibiting Daydream, a series of photographic art that captured the hopes and dreams of young Black Americans. Through this exhibit, we created a space for reflection, conversation, and, most importantly, hope for the future.
We were also honored to participate in TedX Manhattan Beach, where we introduced our *Racism Ends with Me* activation. This project asked attendees to take a pledge, committing to an action to end racism. Each participant's commitment was cemented with a photograph—a visual promise to make meaningful change. Watching people engage with this initiative filled us with a deep sense of purpose.
Our Juneteenth celebration was another highlight of the year, bringing the community together through the performing arts. With music, dance, and storytelling, we honored the rich cultural legacy of Juneteenth while reflecting on the continued fight for freedom and equality.
Additionally, we launched our Still Waters Art Therapy program, providing a safe and supportive space for healing through creative expression. This initiative is close to our hearts, as it helps individuals navigate trauma and build resilience through art.
As we look ahead, we are filled with gratitude for the collective effort that made this year possible. We are excited to continue the work of empowering Black artists and fostering social justice through the arts. Thank you for standing with us in 2022, and we look forward to creating even more impact in the years to come.
With gratitude,
Tanya Taylor
At Black in Mayberry, we are deeply committed to our communities and strive to make a positive impact through various initiatives. From hosting impactful events like our launch party and Juneteenth celebrations, to launching programs like Still Water Arts Therapy, we continuously work towards combatting racism through the arts. Our efforts are driven by a desire to create meaningful connections, spark important conversations, and promote inclusivity and equity in our society. Through partnerships, artistic endeavors, and community engagement, we aim to inspire change and foster a more just and compassionate world for all.
To celebrate the launch of Black in Mayberry and the success of the documentary that inspired the nonprofit, we held a launch party at ESMoA. Our event was attended by community leaders, activists, artists and our local community who were impacted by the documentary.
Art by Black artists is rarely present in neighborhoods as white as El Segundo. It was an amazing way to evoke conversation and direct peoples thoughts to the experiences, inequalities, and injustices faced by young Black Americans whilst reconnecting the people in the photos to their humanity. The general public could relate to the desires of young people, which we all as human beings share, but are not all afforded the right or access to.
We also created a photographic mixed media art series called Daydreaming. Daydreaming was inspired by the final segment of the Black in Mayberry documentary where Juice Mackins, a young African American man in his early 20s, expresses that all he wants to be able to do as a Black man is daydream safely. This was so profound that we wanted to explore the daydreams that young African Americans have for the future of America.
In the pursuit of combating racism through the arts, our nonprofit orchestrated an unforgettable evening of celebration, unity, and empowerment. Juneteenth 2022 marked a pivotal moment in our journey, as we congregated at Barsha, a cherished establishment nestled in Manhattan Beach, for a profound commemoration of freedom.
The stage was set, quite literally, for an immersive experience that transcended boundaries. With an ensemble of exceptional Black artists, our event unfolded as a tapestry of diverse artistic disciplines. From the rhythm of poetry, to the bursting laughter evoked by comedy, each performance was a testament to the resilience, pride, and joy embedded within Black culture.
At Ted X Manhattan beach we showcased our Racism Ends with Me Photography exhibit. It was a resounding success, bringing together 75 committed individuals who pledged to combat racism through two simple, yet impactful actions. Our participants could choose from a list of 100 ways to combat racism in daily life, or they could create their own. Then with each pledge, they stepped into our photo booth, and captured this moment with our "Racism Ends with Me" frame.
Our impact extended far beyond the exhibit itself. Through engaging with over 250 individuals, we sparked meaningful conversations about combating racism in everyday contexts. These discussions not only empowered individuals to take action but also fostered new connections and partnerships, strengthening our collective effort to create change.
One heartening moment came when two local police officers expressed gratitude for specific items on our list tailored to law enforcement. Their endorsement and personal anecdotes underscored the importance of our approach in bridging divides and fostering understanding.
Still Waters Art Therapy is a monthly program that combines learning and exploring a specific medium of art and professional therapy. We believe that in order to combat racism we also need to combat the mental and emotional trauma it generates to heal the Black community and permit us to move forward with healthy and balanced minds. Fear, anxiety, and stress render a person unable to tap into their highest mental potential. If we are to eradicate racism we need to nurture the mental health of Black people so that our community has the power to create solutions.
Recognizing the need for greater accessibility, we're transitioning our program to an on-demand format. Attendees have experienced profound shifts, moving from stress to lightness, laughter, and refreshment. This program serves as a lifeline for Black mental health, fostering community and sharing amidst common experiences of racism and identity.
