Dive Deeper: Insights from the Museum of the Future

Dear Friends,You have a voice that deserves to be heard and a vote that deserves to be counted. In a nation built on the promise of democracy, your vote is essential! If change is important, change must be demanded--in peaceful protests and at the polls. As we approach deadlines for voter registration next month, let us be inspired by the plight of this moment to participate in our local, state and national elections.September 18, 2020 marked the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg's support for gender equity, marriage equality and voting rights defines her legacy as a giant for justice. We send our condolences to her family and loved ones. May her memory inspire and give hope. This month, Miami MoCAAD features artists whose art encourages and emphasizes civic engagement in the United States and abroad. Additionally, we present “Moments” of inspiration and exploration through museum moments, reading moments focusing on Black Florida history, an upcoming Virtual Town Hall on civic engagement and voting, quiz and music moments, and much more. We remind all to wear masks, and stay safe and smart to protect ourselves and each other. Onward!The Miami MoCAAD Team

Dear Friends, As Women's History Month closes and International Black Women's Month opens, we pause in remembrance of Breonna Taylor and Sandra Bland, two black women who died much to young. The world changed on March 13, 2020. The untimely death of 26 year old Breonna Taylor forever marks this day. At about 12:40 a.m., police officers in Louisville, Kentucky, executing a no-knock warrant, killed Breonna Taylor in her bed. Her death devastated her family and outraged the nation. Many artists, including Njideka Akunyili Crosby, LaToya Ruby Frazier, and Amy Sherald, created tributes honoring Breonna Taylor. We continue to be haunted by the violent police treatment of 28 year old Sandra Bland during a minor traffic stop in July, 2015, and her death three days later in a jail cell where she was found hanged. Her family disputed the ruling that her death was suicide. She was optimistically looking forward to a new job, which was to start in nearly two weeks when her young life was cut short. We lift up and say the names of Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor as we must "Say Her Name"! This edition of the newsletter includes art moments featuring women artists, highlights of upcoming virtual talks and exhibitions, and chill and music moments at the end. Onward!

Dear Friends,For 156 years, Juneteenth has been celebrated to mark the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth speaks to the spirit of survival and brings celebrations of Black resiliency overcoming adversity. Persistent police violence and racial inequity deepened by COVID-19 disparities sparked a national reckoning on difficult unresolved legacies of enslavement of Africans and their descendants and propelled Juneteenth to the forefront.“Every year we must remind successive generations that this event [Juneteenth] triggered a series of events that one by one defines the challenges and responsibilities of successive generations. That’s why we need this holiday.” Texas State Rep. Al EdwardsJune also brings special commemorations of Pride, Caribbean Heritage, and Black Music. These celebrations reveal the power of resiliency and inspiration of creatives to illuminate beauty, tell stories, acknowledge injustices, and honor triumphs of the Black experience. Thanks to all who moved Congress to pass legislation yesterday to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday as our country continues its difficult struggle with unresolved racial inequities. Each of us can embrace the spirit of Juneteenth to forge a path to a better community and country.Onward! The Miami MoCAAD Team‍