Holding presence in the past was challenging for Black people. Art ignored the existence of the Black being unless relegated to subservient and dismissive roles. An investigation of that presence of the past and the impact Black art will have on holding presence in the future is discussed in detail by Ms. Judine Somerville and Mr. Clayton Singleton.

The Art of Resistance features Hampton Roads’ own award-winning playwright, performer, filmmaker, and professor of Theatre at Old Dominion University, Brittney S. Harris, in conversation with Grammy-nominated, multi-award winning young composer, violinist and professor at The Juilliard School in NYC, Curtis Stewart. Renowned Historian and Endowed Professor of Virginia Black History and Culture, Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, will moderate this discussion, exploring each guest’s artistic genre.

The Urban League of Hampton Roads in partnership with the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art will host A Seat at the Table: Arts and Culture Experience on April 27 at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art located at 2200 Parks Avenue Virginia Beach, VA 23451, from 6pm-11pm. Sanctioned as a Something in the Water Music Festival (SITW) Community Event, A Seat at the Table kicks off SITW and highlights emerging and nationally renowned Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) artists, talented musicians, and designers from various disciplines and includes a panel conversation about the importance of supporting BIPOC arts and culture featuring prominent tastemakers and creators from Hampton Roads. The event will feature exhibitions from international artists, Kara Walker and LaToya M. Hobbs. VMOCA will also be featuring artists in residence, such as Amber Pierce, Poetry Jackson and Nadd Harvin, alongside (4) regional artists: Ashley Raeneil, Chris Green, Loscar Creations, and QRCKY. Live music will be provided by DJ JOFROXI, FORTRESSES, and Fake Uzumi, hosted by Q5. Panelists include Gary Ryan, Director of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Tamara Wellons, President of The Recording Academy Washington, DC Chapter, Asa Jackson, Director, Contemporary Arts Network, and moderator, Stephanie Walters, Director of Engagement and Communications at Team YELLOW, among others.