Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•pg_14-18__BMT_pg3-58 4/30/13 7:52 PM Page 14 M U S E U M N OT E S BY PATRICIA ANN JORDAN EXHIBITION AND EVENTS HONORING THE 90 THAT BUILT L.A. Greetings, readers. E ven though Black History is honored in February, it is something we should honor and treasure every month. Our ancestors carved out our history and paved the way. Those after them (some still living), made even more history and current "movers and shakers" are making history, even as write. Some of these past and present history makers were honored in the "90 That Built L.A.," exhibition before and during Black History Month, at the one of the best kept secrets (unfortunately) in Los Angeles: The Museum of African American Art, housed on the 3rd floor of Macy's, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. The "90 That Built L.A." was a free exhibit sponsored by the Los Angeles Urban League and Time Warner Cable. The theme tied into the league turning 90 years old and invaluable service to the community. The exhibit featured 90 persons, who played key parts in making Los Angeles what it is today — one of the world's greatest metropolitan cities. From December 13 until, the closing ceremony, March 7, 2013, proud Angelinos came to see historical artifacts, artwork, memorabilia and photographs chronicling the contributions of individuals who have helped to shape Los Angeles in the areas of entertainment, the arts, education, politics, religion and community development. Getting the number down to 90 was no easy task. Since so many contributed to making our city what it is today. So many made a difference. At the exhibit's grand opening, project coordinators emphasized that there were certainly more than 90 individuals who have contributed to L.A. Community representatives and project board members chose the select 90. Not only were notables such as Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Councilman Bernard Parks, former mayor Tom Bradley, dance choreographer Lula Washington, community organizer Cesar Chavez, Kenneth C. Ulmer, leader of Faithful Central Bible Church and Danny Bakewell, the publisher for the Los Angeles Sentinel honored, but key events including round-table discussions, a documentary on artist Walt Walker and "Women that Built L.A." were also held. Homage was also paid to pioneers such as former slave Biddy Mason, a nurse and business owner who was one of the first African-Americans to purchase land in Los Angeles. One Special event, held February 21st, was "The Burning and Rebuilding of L.A," which reflected on the issues that sparked the Watts and 1992 Los Angeles riots. Los Angeles Urban League vice president of marketing and communications, Chris Strudwick-Turner, moderated the discussion among the panelist guests that included Dr. Jack E. Daniels III, president, Los Angeles Southwest College; Reverend Eric Lee, former president, Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Sweet Alice Harris, founder, Parents of Watts; and Tim Watkins, Watts Labor Community Action Committee. The panel and community members, including new Los Angeles Urban League president, Nolan V. Rollins and exhibit producer and historian, Dannete Wilkerson, engaged in conversation to reflect on the past and discuss solutions to improve the community. Black Meetings & Tourism applauds these 90 champions for change and equality, past and present. We also applaud those making history now, like the new Urban League president and CEO, Nolan V. Rollins. He and others who keep us striving to be the best we can be. Not only for Los Angeles, but for the Diaspora and the world. 14 B M & T ••• March/April 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com