Pieces of a Shattered Dream
On Monday, January 20th, Martin Luther King Day, the Annie B. Jones Civic Arts Center hosted its first Healing Arts Exhibition in memory of William Wilson Sr. and Larry Gladney.
The celebration took place at Pastor Mitty Collier’s More Like Christ Church, located at 8201 S. Dobson, Chicago, Illinois.
ABJ’s mission is to empower youth and young adults to become change agents in their community by providing a variety of arts-based leadership development and empowerment activities. The organization is led by Pastor Nana Victoria Carol Brady, President and CEO.
The event was hosted by Jacqueline Noliwe, who did an excellent job facilitating the occasion. The celebration featured original artwork created by ABJ students, including Kapri Williams, Oliver “Trey” Thompson, KeSha Williams, Rihanna Jackson, and Kevin Tyler. Additionally, there were stunning performances by Robert Simpson and the dancers from the Lion Math & Science Academy Freedom School.
The affair proudly highlighted the culmination of the Phillip Jackson Freedom School Grant, a vital initiative led by Illinois State Rep. Kimberly Lightford that promises to inspire future generations.
In her closing remarks, Pastor Victoria expressed high praise for the ABJ students. She also extended her gratitude to the Illinois State Board of Education and community partners for the opportunity to operate the ABJ Freedom School Program.
“This is one of the most unique and meaningful programs that we have offered. The Phillip Jackson Freedom School Grant allowed more than 100 grassroots organizations to provide the program to the community. How wonderful it is to educate youth on their own culture and the role that the Black community has played in the development of humanity and the global community.”
Credit: Photos by Gloria Jackson-Smith
