As I reflect on 2023, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude for what Black in Mayberry has accomplished. This year, we continued to grow our community, building on the momentum of 2022, and took our mission to combat racism through the arts to new heights.
A significant milestone this year was the launch of our campaign for *Project Black Lens*. This initiative is designed to empower young Black photographers, and the support we’ve gained from the community has been nothing short of inspiring. We’ve built a team of talented and passionate individuals who are dedicated to making this vision a reality.
Our Juneteenth celebrations grew even larger, bringing together a vibrant community in El Segundo. Our large-scale Juneteenth celebration, alongside an intimate Juneteenth storytime event, allowed us to connect with people of all ages to reflect on the importance of this historic day.
We were also honored to be invited back to TedX Manhattan Beach, where we introduced the Butterfly Advocacy program. This initiative captured hearts and minds as participants crafted advocacy discs—powerful symbols of the butterfly effect that even a small action to combat racism can create. It was beautiful to witness participants leaving with a tangible reminder of their commitment to change.
But the highlight of the year, without question, was our first large-scale exhibition, Art Against Racism. This exhibition was a powerful collective response to systemic racism, featuring the work of incredible artists dedicated to this cause. It will now become an annual event, a tradition that will continue to inspire and challenge our community year after year.
Throughout the year, we continued our Still Waters Art Therapy sessions, providing much-needed healing through creative expression. We collaborated with numerous artists and organizations, building strong community ties and reinforcing our collective fight against racism. Our dedication to educating the public through art about the impacts of systemic racism has only grown stronger.
2023 has been a year of growth, creativity, and impactful change, all made possible by the support of people like you. As we move forward, I’m excited for the future of Black in Mayberry and the many ways we will continue to use art as a tool for social change. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
With gratitude,
Tanya Taylor
In June of 2023, the city of El Segundo made history by hosting its inaugural Juneteenth celebration, a momentous event that marked a significant milestone in the community's journey towards cultural diversity and inclusiveness. Spearheaded by Black in Mayberry founder, Tanya Taylor, this event not only brought awareness to the meaning and significance of Juneteenth but also fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for African American contributions to American society.
The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Juneteenth Proclamation to Tanya Taylor by the city of El Segundo, symbolizing official recognition of this important day. Through this proclamation, the city affirmed its commitment to honoring the resilience and achievements of African Americans, both past and present.
The festival itself was a vibrant testament to the richness of African American culture, featuring captivating performances, stunning art displays, and mouthwatering cuisine that delighted attendees of all backgrounds. Moreover, the event provided a platform for outstanding Black-owned businesses to showcase their talents and contributions to the community.
But beyond the festivities, the Juneteenth celebration in El Segundo served as a catalyst for meaningful reflection and dialogue. Attendees were invited to consider the sacrifices made throughout history that have paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today. This moment of contemplation underscored the importance of community unity and collective action in safeguarding the rights and dignity of every individual.
We hosted a transformative exhibition that served as a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment of Los Angeles' artists in the ongoing fight against racial discrimination. This thought-provoking showcase, held in 2023, brought together diverse mediums and perspectives to articulate a resounding message of unity, understanding, and equality.
The exhibition boldly urged viewers to confront and dismantle the pervasive roots of racism in our society, challenging attendees to engage in critical dialogue and reflection. Through the convergence of visual and performing arts, attendees were immersed in a joyous symphony of creativity and innovation, inviting everyone to learn, discover, and engage meaningfully as a community united against racism.
Overall, the Art Against Racism L.A. exhibition left a lasting impact on attendees, empowering individuals to take action in the fight against racial discrimination. By harnessing the transformative power of art, this event served as a catalyst for positive change, fostering unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
Our Founder, Tanya Taylor, was featured as a social justice innovator during the 2023 Ted X Manhattan Beach event. During this event, we had over 200 participants create advocacy discs, becoming Butterfly Advocates. A butterfly advocate is a unique and passionate individual who is a driving force within our community, specializing in the art of micro-actions that create ripples of positive transformation.
