The highly anticipated “The Gaze Africana,” presented by AfriKin, opened this past Sunday, January 15, and was a resounding success.
It was an unseasonably cool weekend in Miami. Still, despite the 40-degree weather, the community came out to show their support and stand in solidarity with our mission to bridge continental African and the diaspora through art. We are also appreciative of the city’s support, as well as the people who logged in all across the world to take part in our celebration of African excellence. Even though you weren’t with us in person, your spirit was felt.
Once again, this exhibit has highlighted the importance of Black art in communities and cities. The attendees were a melting pot, a mixture of ages, races, religions, creeds, and sexual orientations. What other event has the power or ability to bring together such a diverse group of people for a singular reason?
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. He would have been 93 years old. We can’t help but reflect on how this event is living proof of his words when he said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.” And The Gaze Africana is one of those lights. It is how we drive back the darkness through the expression, truth, and power of Black art.
Thank you to our sponsors who helped us breathe this vision into life: North Miami CRA, Titos Handmade Vodka, GMCVB, Miami Dade County Cultural Arts Department, and all the artists who loaned us their work.
Experience this exhibit for yourself. It will be on display daily through March 1, 2023, from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM to the general public.