Photo By Misha King | The Defense Contract Management Agency Equal Employment Opportunity Office hosted a...... read more read more
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FORT LEE, Va. - The Defense Contract Management Agency Equal Employment Opportunity office hosted a mini art exhibit at headquarters here to commemorate African-American History Month. The theme, “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality,” mirrored this year’s Department of Defense theme.
“DCMA is a well-diverse organization; therefore, it is very important to celebrate diversity,” said Larry F. Ross, EEO director. “We can learn a lot from the past to bring about a better future for us all.”
Employees had the opportunity to view the artwork as Ozie (Brad) Bradford, EEO’s Affirmative Employment Program manager, explained the featured artists and each piece on display. He gave attendees a historical perspective of the eras depicted in the artists’ work. He also drew attention to the patriotic elements in a few pieces.
“Regardless of our experience as a people, we can’t divorce ourselves from the fact we’re citizens and members of this great country,” said Bradford. “It’s in our hearts — whether it’s serving in the military, building the country’s infrastructure or any other contribution. Being an American is part of our experience.”
The exhibit featured photos and art from before and after the Emancipation Proclamation. The first three items were copies of photographer David Knox’s civil war photos taken in or around Petersburg, Va., right outside of Fort Lee. The next piece was a serigraph entitled “I am a Man” by George Hunt, which is a tribute to the sanitation worker’s strike in 1968.
At the center of the exhibit sat a bronze sculpture by Guyanese artist Ivor Thum depicting a freed slave couple. Below it was a Giclée print called “Reflections” by Charles Bibbs from his Obama series. The serigraph “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” by renowned artist Joseph Holston was next on display, followed by a pencil drawing by Sidney Carter entitled “Blood, Sweat and Tears.” Another piece on display was a lithograph called “Rosa Parks” by artist and sculptor Artis Lane, which was signed by Rosa Parks.
Bradford said EEO’s intent for the exhibit was to allow the art to speak for itself and let people interpret it in their own voice. He said this type of presentation is like having eight or nine different speakers talking to anyone who would engage them. The interaction among employees was high, and one attendee even shared his experience meeting Rosa Parks in person.
“People were able to explore the artwork and interact with other employees to get a more personal experience,” said DCMA Deputy Director Jim Russell. “This was better than having a guest speaker.” Russell said the exhibit was a great tribute to African-America history and, he especially enjoyed seeing pieces from the local area on display.
| Date Taken: | 03.04.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.05.2013 13:55 |
| Story ID: | 102935 |
| Location: | FORT LEE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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