Black creativity has shaped our modern world. Crossing genres and media, its radiance cannot be contained. This artistry spans from the stunning stage presence of Beyonce and elegant language of Maya Angelou to the rhythms of young children learning to play the djembe. In all its complexity and simplicity, Black art captures the depth, strength, and joy that defines the Black experience. The persistent light of Black art is ever-resilient against the dark forces of white supremacy that consistently attempt to snuff it out.
The power and strength of Black artistry, Black creativity and spirituality, and service to community are not rooted in external validation. Through Black art, we forge our own glory, create our own beauty. Unlike diamonds, land, or oil, Black creativity is a limitless resource. From simple acts of self-expression to bold works that spark revolutions, the radical brilliance of Black art is undeniable in any form. It overflows with the wealth of the African diaspora.
The Half Century Celebration of the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College is an unabashed celebration of Kuumba, a choir fellowship founded by Black undergraduate students who sought safe harbor in a strange land. Forged in the crucible of the racial and social unrest of the 1970s, Kuumba has not only grown but prospered, passing forward its core spiritual and cultural values, and its passion for justice for more than a half century.
