Afro-ARTivism

What is Afro-ARTivism?

Last year, the Student Center for Social Justice and Identity (SCSJI) hosted an Evening of Art & Jazz which connected approximately 175 people to the beauty of Black art, excellence, and influence. Hence, Afro-ARTivism, a 5-week immersive program, was born to address further the impact of Black artists in social justice movements. 

The mission of Afro-ARTivism is to empower the Black Vanderbilt community by centering artistic activism through a celebratory kickoff that showcases Black creatives and the impact of hip-hop music in addition to facilitating ongoing dialogue around this form of liberation.

This program consists of two initiatives, an Evening of Art & Hip-Hop and biweekly, interactive workshops, both in collaboration with the Bishop Johnson Black Cultural Center, Blair School of Music, Peabody College, and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM).

An Evening of Art & Hip-Hop

Please join the Student Center for Social Justice and Identity (SCSJI) in attending an Evening of Art & Hip-Hop on Thursday, February 2nd from 6:00-8:30 pm at the National Museum of African American Music’s (NMAAM) Feature Gallery. This event will celebrate the artistic contributions of Black Vanderbilt and Nashville community members while highlighting the concept of Black Resistance, the 2023 national theme of Black History Month. Additionally, this event will introduce the practice of artivism and allow participants to engage in meaningful reflection as they discover the innovative ways social justice work can be pursued through diverse mediums of creativity.

If you are interested in submitting art (focused on the theme of artistic activism and advocacy for the Black/African American community), please fill out this form (or scan the QR code below) by Thursday, January 26th.

<— Scan here to submit your art!

Interactive Workshops

Vanderbilt and Nashville community members will be invited to register for biweekly workshops that further delve into the arts and their impact on history while learning of the current libratory pursuits of Black artivists. Workshops will include experiential opportunities, such as visiting the NMAAM and engaging in their existing opportunities, attending roundtable discussions with local artivists, and creating various forms of artistic expression that honor the Black experience today.