In honor of Black History Month the Fort Greene Association (FGA) produced a community collaborative art exhibit. The works of three local Fort Greene - Clinton Hill artists with ties to Pratt Institute are on display in a vacant storefront located at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension, part of Metrotech BID. “When we were approached by the Fort Greene Association to collaborate on this project, we were happy to be involved. This is the type of installation that, not only, celebrates a rich heritage and history, but it brings art into the public realm by enlivening a retail corridor and exposing fine artists to a wider market” said Catherine Hickey, Director of Retail / Commercial Development, Metrotech BID.

Passersby are greeted by a tribute to Fredrick Douglas created for the FGA’s Black History Month Tribute by Ryan Jones, a Pratt Fine Arts student who has a strong interest in the community and public works. Jamillah Jennings, Pratt alumna whose work is inspired by music and dance has four pieces on display: “African-American Dancers, Forces of Nature - Diana Harvey, Jazz in Motion and Modern Dancer.” Pratt alumna Kikelomo Amusa-Shonubi created for the FGA’s tribute Economic Stimulus, 1620 to 1850, a piece that exhibits the slave trade routes commonly taken to the New World and encourages viewers to think about how slavery has affected all of us here in the western hemisphere.

Black History Month murals were also created on the windows of local businesses in Fort Greene. Josh Friedman created a mural called “We Never Stop” inspired by the novel “Black Boy” by Richard Wright which can be seen at Fort Greene SNAP, 324 Myrtle Avenue. An African textile inspired piece dedicated to Brenda Brunson-Bey was created by a talented group of diverse and developmentally disabled adults from Brooklyn Day Hab. part of AHRC org. which can be seen at Kiki’s Pet Spa & Boutique, 239 Dekalb Avenue.

“The Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Art Exhibit is a community collaborative project that showcases the neighborhood’s dynamic talent and exhibit’s what makes Fort Greene so special and unique” said Lillian Jean-Baptiste, FGA Communications and Community Engagement Chair. “It is long overdue that the Fort Greene Association enters into the tradition of Black History Month. Our neighborhood, and in fact this very organization, is indebted to the accomplishments of African Americans who live and have lived in this vibrant neighborhood. This tradition will become a beacon and inspiration for future generations across racial lines. It is what Fort Greene is about” said Paul Palazzo, FGA Chairperson.

The FGA’s Black History exhibit is on display now until February 28, 2011. The works exhibited at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension are for sale by the artists; a portion of the proceeds will be donated to fund a program created by the FGA to encourage local youth facing financial hardships to attend college.

The Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Celebration Continues
The Fort Greene Association in partnership with Fort Greene-Clinton Hill Patch for the month of February has been honoring the contributions African Americans made in Fort Greene. Each day we’ve recognized those who’ve made significant contributions in and around Fort Greene, individuals who’ve committed selfless acts to help others as well as recognize pioneers who’ve paved the road for others.

Please take a moment to meet some of our Black History Month honorees:

James Davis: A Political Life Cut Short. In only two years serving the 35th District the former policeman left his mark on the neighborhood
http://fortgreene.patch.com/articles/james-davis-a-political-life-cut-short

Dr. Susan McKinney Steward: A Legendary Brooklyn Doctor - the first black woman to earn a medical degree in New York
http://fortgreene.patch.com/articles/dr-susan-mckinney-steward-a-legendary-brooklyn-doctor

Florence Timothy: A Lifelong Community Activist. Native of Trinidad and Tobago dedicated much of her life to Fort Greene
http://fortgreene.patch.com/articles/florence-timonthy-a-lifelong-community-activist

Mary Pinkett: The City’s First Black Councilwoman Represented Ft. Greene; Mary Pinkett had a 28-year career
http://fortgreene.patch.com/articles/the-citys-first-black-councilwoman-represented-ft-greene