Substantive change requires time, commitment, and resiliency. Over the past six years, a leading edge of GBCA’s commitment to equity and inclusion has been Urban Arts Leadership. With the leadership of first David Mitchell, and then Kibibi Ajanku, we have learned, grown, and created opportunities for more than 40 aspiring leaders of color. We have, and will continue to work side by side with cultural organizations as they strengthen their ability to successfully recruit, hire, and retain a more diverse workforce.
Now that the cry for equity has grown louder and the phrase Black Lives Matter has entered the mainstream, it is our responsibility to be vigilant, to avoid tokenism and box-checking. It will take time and tremendous dedication to create real change.
It is with that in mind, that it is my honor to invite you to join us for the 2020 Urban Arts Leadership Graduation Ceremony celebrating the following class that exemplified resiliency and endurance. They have helped pioneer a new Field School (more on that later), and adjusted their work and Fellowship placements in response to the pandemic. I hope you will join me in congratulating:
Jennifer Rae Lucas
Host Organization Placement: Arts Education in Maryland Schools (AEMS)
Kelly Palmer
Host Organization Placement: Baltimore Clayworks
Bintou Kouyate
Host Organization Placement: Baltimore Museum of Art
Kayla Fryer
Host Organization Placement: The Clarice Center for the Performing Arts
Elizabeth Dunlap
Host Organization Placement: Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
The graduation will take place on Thursday, June 25 at 6:00 pm. Follow this link to register to join us for this wonderful event. Thank you to all the mentors, leaders, trainers, Host organizations and funders who have made it possible for UAL to thrive.
Be well,
Jeannie
P.S. For those still in need, as of June 19 Payroll Protection Program funds were still available. The requirements for forgiveness were eased in early June and it is now easier for self-employed individuals to qualify.
