January ‘24 Community Calendar
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January Events:
January 8: Opening of Barron Wortham’s “Lingering in the liminal, lord have mercy and lift the veil” at Fort Worth Arts
As our society and technological reach grow, we grow ever more distant from each other, more distracted from the world. In this age of mass distraction, as the needs and sufferings of our fellow man have shifted from being our duty to none of our concern, we have become indifferent to the things that merely matter. We are solely captivated by our need for constant satisfaction, we know no peace. Trapped in a joyless pursuit of pleasure, becoming increasingly susceptible to our specific addictions, ranging from status, money, substances, technology, and in many cases pain. I am not looking from a higher platform speaking on the flaws of man as if I am above them and in fact, I know I'm not. My point of view is from the ground level and my paintings have a bit of mud in them, they are my attempt to understand and explain the existential issues man experiences as I personally come across them. Or perhaps they are my attempt to cope with them. Sometimes I wonder if I overstep, how can it even be my place to speak on human existence? But what else is the role of an artist than to highlight the ways in which we are all flawed, faulty, and afraid?January 5-7: Dallas Black Dance Theatre and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and Stravinsky
Founded in 1974, Dallas Black Dance Theatre has performed for more than four million people worldwide. Be there when they partner with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and music director Robert Spano in Bass Performance Hall for Stravinsky’s Petrushka Suite with choreography by Sean Smith, a balletic take on the story of Punch and Judy fame, with its whirling, folk-inspired melodies and high-stepping harmonies. Also on the program are a pair of Mozartian gems, the Overture from The Magic Flute, as well as the esteemed “Jupiter” symphony.
January 6: Opening of Abi Salami’s “From Behind the Vines” @ Pencil on Paper Gallery
Explorations of Afro-futurism embark upon creative journeys that delve into the interconnected attributes of humanity and its environment in Abi Salami’s solo exhibition, From Behind the Vine. Navigating a world where climate change collides with the voracious appetite of capitalism, Salami takes viewers to a place that reminds us that nature and humanity are one in the same. With visions of a future that transcend the constraints of the present, offering a glimpse into a realm where our future becomes a catalyst for resilience and transformation, From Behind the Vine is a visual narrative that examines the symbiotic relationship between humans and their surroundings. Throughout this journey, Salami tells a story greater than herself, unlocking the secrets of her past and culture while offering respect and honor to her people in the process.
January 12 & 14: 41st Black Music and The Civil Rights Movement Concert Presented by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters
Celebrating over four decades with four EMMY awards, this concert tribute dramatizes and reflects on the moments and memories of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement in America's present milieu of today. This captivating evening of narration, music, and dance features special guest AVERY SUNSHINE with TBAAL's 100-voice concert choir. Conceived and produced by CURTIS KING. Conducted by CLARK JOSEPH.
January 13: Opening of Jennifer Monet Cowley’s “Art Chapters: The Book of Jennifer” @ Daisha Board Gallery Tin District
The exhibition will showcase an exclusive collection of Jennifer Monet Cowley's works, offering a rare insight into the evolution of her artistic journey. From her early masterpieces to her latest creations, this retrospective will provide a comprehensive overview of Jennifer's profound artistic vision and creative prowess.
January 13 from 10 am - 4 pm: Dallas Civil Rights History Symposium @ African American Museum of Dallas
Join Preservation Dallas; Remembering Black Dallas; the African American Museum of Dallas; Broadway Dallas; McCoy Collaborative, a TreanorHL Company; Friends of the Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House and Museum; BH365; and the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture, as we honor and explore the local legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, and Juanita J. Craft.
January 13 @ 6 pm: Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Event & Essay Competition at Irving Arts Center
Join the City of Irving as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year's celebration will feature dance, song, poetry, and art performed by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Kamica King.
January 16 @ 7 pm: 2024 National Day of Racial Healing with Nikki Giovanni & Dallas Goldtooth
Join Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation for the 2024 National Day of Racial Healing celebration, featuring the literary legend Nikki Giovanni and acclaimed actor/writer Dallas Goldtooth of "Reservation Dogs." The event will take place on the evening of January 16th, 2024, and will be an invigorating exploration of intergenerational connections and racial healing.
As part of Dallas TRHT's ongoing mission to increase racial equity, racial healing, and racial justice within the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond, this year's celebration brings together two influential figures who have dedicated their lives to activism and artistry. Other Special Guests will include Melania Luisa Marte, Jess Garland & Friends, and Ja’Tovia Gary.
This event will occur at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters at 1309 Canton St. (Corner of Canton and Akard Streets) in Dallas, TX.
January 18: Poetry Smash #4 Open Mic, Presented by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters
January 18 @ 6:30: Dallas Museum of Art’s Arts and Letters Live presents “Echos of Diaspora: A Ballet inspired by Afro-Atlantic Histories” performed by Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Encore
Arts & Letters Live presents an original commissioned dance performance curated by Nycole Ray, the visionary Artistic Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Encore! Echoes of Diaspora: A Ballet Inspired by “Afro-Atlantic Histories” is an immersive and poignant journey through time, culture, and the enduring spirit of the African Diaspora. Audiences are invited to embark on an emotional odyssey portraying the resilience and strength of a people forging their identity amidst adversity and tracing their profound narratives.
January 19-20: Kimmie Horne Live in Concert, Presented by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters
From Jazz to pop and R&B, KIMMIE HORNE, the grandniece of the legendary songstress Lena Horne, performs a plethora of music, appealing to multiple generations of music fans and lovers.
January 20 @ 1 pm: ABI SALAMI (Limited Edition) Book Signing Event - "From Behind the Vine" at Pencil on Paper Gallery
An exciting in-person book signing event with Abi Salami at the Pencil on Paper.. “The Leveling" - A Limited Edition Storybook dives into the depths of "The Leveling," a captivating storybook by Nigerian-American visual artist ABI SALAMI that brings to life a profound narrative of resilience, spiritual awakening, and humanity's bond with nature. This limited edition glossy hardcover book, available exclusively through Walgreens Photo, is a gem for art enthusiasts and story lovers alike.January 24 - 28: Denton Black Film Festival “Share Joy”
This year, we are highlighting the importance of sharing and celebrating Joy within the Black community and beyond. The celebration of positivity, freedom, and the fulfillment of being yourself.
The Denton Black Film Festival has grown into a five-day event that allows you, our guest, to immerse yourself in some of the best artistic showcases of cinema, music, spoken word, art, and more.
We are an INCLUSIVE festival- We celebrate with everyone, but we showcase Black Culture!
January 25: “Shades of Excellence: Exploring Black Artistry in Dallas” @ 5 pm at the South Dallas Cultural Center
A special project by Myca Williamson dedicated to honoring, preserving, and sharing black artistry, history, and stories. Brought to you by a Culture of Value grant by the Dallas Office of Arts and Culture through the National Endowment for the Arts.
January 26-27: Poets N’ Jazz, Presented by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters
Houston's JOE P. and Dallas' QUAN JACKSON trade poetic words in a tug-of-word war for a powerful night of spoken word and jazz! Music by IBTrio. Hosted by B. Randall.
January 27: Closing of Walter Johnson Jr.’s “Immersive Resurgence” @ The Janette Kennedy Gallery
Immerse yourself in the soulfully artistic world of Walter Johnson Jr., a realm where Afro Urban art is boldly featured and given stage exposé. His work celebrates the resurgent interest in ancestral roots, but in seamlessly used with contemporary urban “vernacular,” igniting a visual symphony of homage to the past and the present creating a truly mesmerizing experience.