Virtual Monuments: 10 art pieces celebrating Black Excellence - HITRECORD

Virtual Monuments: 10 art pieces celebrating Black Excellence

Feb 05, 2022

In collaboration with the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, the HITRECORD community created 10 “Virtual Monuments” that celebrate Black Excellence, and recognize influential people, places, and events from Black Culture and History. Since 2007, the FDFI has been an Abolitionist and AntiRacist non-profit organization with a mission to build strong children and to end systems of exploitation and oppression. Partnering with Kenneth B. Morris (the FDFI's Co-Founder and President, as well as the great-great-great-grandson of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and the great-great-grandson of educator Booker T. Washington) was an extremely powerful experience for us all.

Each of these 10 Monuments were made collaboratively by our HITRECORD community, and led by our outstanding Community Producers: KaliBali, IAmShonda, and JonathanK.

1. VIRTUAL MONUMENT: What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July

Voices from all over the world contributed to this retelling of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech -- “What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July?”. We speak these words in 2022, as their message could not ring more true today.

2. VIRTUAL MONUMENT: Amandla

While many may be familiar with Nelson Mandela and his influence on history, Amandla explores and celebrates some of the lesser-known leaders of the Anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa and their lasting impact.

3. VIRTUAL MONUMENT: Black Excellence Is...

What does Black Excellence mean to you? This Monument is an animated short film depicting young Black Students learning about influential Black Historical Figures Annie Lee Cooper, Katherine Johnson, John Lewis, Alvin Ailey, and Ida B. Wells on a normal day of class.

4. VIRTUAL MONUMENT: Paul R. Williams

This animated short film explores the story and life of Los Angeles-based Black Architect Paul R. Williams -- whose 50-year career in architecture defined Hollywood’s aesthetic for years to come.

5. VIRTUAL MONUMENT: Black Hair Love

This short film pays tribute to the beauty of Black Hair -- combining spoken word performances of Slendah’s poem titled “D.R.E.A.D.L.O.C.K.S.”, and footage of Black Community Members celebrating what they love about their hair.

6. VIRTUAL MONUMENT: Black Band-Aid

This audio piece uncovers the stories of French Composer, Joseph Bologne, and The Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, and examines the impact that these Black Artists have had on the tapestry of music.

7. VIRTUAL MONUMENT: Victorious

Picture this: The politician whose campaign you're working on just won a major election and they instantly become a trailblazer for those who follow in their footsteps. Victorious is an audio story of a fictional victory speech celebrating real-life Black political groundbreakers from around the world -- from John Ehret, Epsy Alejandra Campbell Barr, to Severiano de Heredia.

8. VIRTUAL MONUMENT: Black Badass Cowboys [Comic Book Strip]

For years, countless stories have painted the figures of the Old West as strong, daring, and only Caucasian. While these stories may be correct, they are not entirely inclusive. That is where the “Black Badass Cowboys” comes into play; showing you more of the entire history of what the Wild West really looked like, and who helped mold it to where it is today.

9. VIRTUAL MONUMENT: The Apollo Theater [PDF]

First opening in 1914, The Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York has a long history of being the first to showcase upcoming, prominent Black Musicians and Comedians who would eventually grow to become globally-recognized artists. This series of five posters highlight just a few of the legendary talents who have stepped foot on the Harlem stage…

10. VIRTUAL MONUMENT: Pillars of Blackness [PDF]

This printable Zine featuring beautiful artwork, writing, and collages celebrates the definitive Pillars of Blackness: Strength, Resilience, Grace, Black Girl Magic, Black Boy Joy, and Diversity.

You can explore "The Virtual Monuments Project" here.

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