The Africa Center in New York City celebrated Juneteenth by unveiling a groundbreaking art installation called the Black Future Newsstand. This custom-built installation, created in collaboration with the Black Thought Project, aimed to capture a future where reparations and liberation become a reality.
Located in Harlem, the Black Future Newsstand showcased publications that center on Blackness. It offered a platform for people to contribute their visions for future media through the “Black Thought Wall.” The wall prompted visitors with questions like “What do you love about yourself?” thereby inviting them to share their thoughts and reflections.
To mark the launch, a series of public events took place across Harlem, a historic hub of Black artistic disruption. The preview at The Africa Center during the Museum Mile festival initiated the festivities. Subsequently, the official VIP launch reception saw over 200 supporters, partners, and community members gather at the same venue. The excitement continued as the newsstand went to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture for the annual Literary Festival. This, in addition, attracted thousands of New Yorkers. An unexpected visit from MSNBC’s Joy-Ann Reid delighted the visitors.
On Juneteenth, the Black Future Newsstand concluded its launch series at The Africa Center. They marked the end with a zine-making workshop led by renowned graphic artist and educator Jen White-Johnson. More than 30 community members participated, learning about the art and history of Black liberation zines while creating their unique pieces.
During the launch week, various significant achievements were realized. Co-writing a TIME Op-Ed with Alicia Walters, founder of the Black Thought Project, the team emphasized the need to center Black voices. They also focused on funding toxic narratives placed on Black people. Collaboration with the New York Amsterdam News resulted in a special insert for their Juneteenth print edition. This insert showcased articles, artwork, and archival clips on reparations and Black love.
The presence of the Black Future Newsstand, adorned with dreams and aspirations shared by Black individuals of all ages on the Black Thought Wall, left a powerful impact. The exhibition will be on display at The Africa Center until July 31. It will be accompanied by an upcoming documentary highlighting behind-the-scenes interviews and footage. Plans are already underway to take the Black Future Newsstand to other locations.
. As we navigate this transformative period, we strive to repair the harm caused by anti-Blackness and generations of media misrepresentation. In the future, we will look back on this time as the magical age when we began to rewrite the narrative and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
