BELTON, TX-- History was made for University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Art department on February 14th as the first student-curated art exhibition was opened. Moreover, in honor of Black History Month, the show’s eighteen art pieces were made specifically by black art majors and minors. The show can be found in Baugh Center of Visual Arts and is the first thing a visitor sees when walking into the building. The exhibit, “Black to the Future,” was curated by senior art majors Danielle East and Chriscina Lampkin. The theme of the show is Afrofuturism, hence the name “Black to the Future.” Defined by the Huffington Post, Afrofuturism is “the reimagining of a future filled with arts, science and technology seen through a black lens.” The show’s description reads: To connect those of African descendant to their lost ancestry through science-fiction and fantasy, Afrofuturism aims to give Black individuals a place in the future despite a troubling past.
Curators East and Lampkin’s motivation to create the exhibit was clear. “There are not many black art students, or [even] Hispanic or Asian art students on campus,” East said. “[We] thought it would be a good idea to add diversity to the department.” The students contacted Hershall Seals, the chairman of the art department, and he approved their proposal and helped them reserve the space. It was up to them to do the rest. “The best part of [this art show] is that it allows black creatives to be seen and recognized,” Co-curator Chriscina Lampkin said. “It’s crazy how many black artists we have now compared to when I first started school here. Good things are happening.” Lampkin also remarks on the opportunities the show gives to black artists. “Having an exhibition like this not only highlights the talents of our black artists, but it also gives us a chance to unify and connect with other black creatives,” she said. “Through the curation process, I was able to meet other black artists that I hadn’t met before.”
The show not only enables black artists on campus to show expression, but non-art students as well, specifically black women. One of the pieces East made for the show is called “She’s Gotta Have It,” a reference to Spike Lee’s 1986 film and 2017 Netflix television adaptation, which centers around an influential black female lead. The piece is a large, plastered structure made of cement blocks painted white. It features a sign with directions, instructing black women to give a testimony, quote, or rant on their experience as an intersectional being. The last line of the instructions read: “This is your platform, utilize it.” The structure features an assortment of quotes, stories, and powerful words from black women around campus. Even after the show’s debut, East leaves several black Sharpie markers for students to continue adding to the piece. “She’s Gotta Have It” is a small but mighty way to yield expression and voice to this marginalized group.
Events such as “Black to the Future” raises hope for the future of diversity and inclusion on campus. When looking at UMHB’s numbers, it seems to be greatly diverse. However, what UMHB has is structural diversity, rather than interactional diversity. These terms originate from scholar Patricia Gurin’s 2002 study “Diversity and higher education: Theory and impact on educational outcomes.” Published in the Harvard Educational Review, the study defines structural diversity as the composition of the student body or the numerical representation of diverse groups. The study defines interactional diversity as the interactions among students of different backgrounds outside the classroom. While many colleges are working to increase diversity, they usually are focused on structural diversity. College campuses’ efforts are normally made to meet a quota of diverse students, and then neglect to involve students of color once they are enrolled. “Black to the Future” highlights the perspectives and experiences of minority students and allows non-POC students to learn these different viewpoints and cultures. Its impact raises interactional diversity and should be what UMHB and all college campuses strive to establish in all spaces on campus. Junior English major and art minor Miracle Gant, who is a contributing artist for the exhibit, notes the impact the show may have on students. “[This exhibition] makes students feel like it’s their campus,” she said. “Because a show like this exists, students understand that their experience here is truly customizable and enriching.”
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