FAMU Melanin Week

The FSU Department of Art Education invites faculty and students to attend Florida A&M University’s Melanin Fest 2016, which will be headed by Apollo Thirtin and TUA Artist Collective.

“At a time such as now a statement and movement from this generation’s youth must take place. And so we present to you the first ever of its kind Melanin Fest 2016. Put together and inspired by the youth that’s tired of the killings of unarmed brown and black people. We want change in our unfair justice systems. Most importantly we want to unify and empower all Melanin culture and true knowledge of our history. Unifying the world one Melanin drop at a time.” -Apollo Thirtin

Monday, September 5, 2016: Headed by Aaveri
Kandake Art & The Tallahasee Blacktivists Present:

The Black Magic Showcase

“The Black Magic Showcase is a night of love, community and celebration of local art and culture stemming from the minds of our people.  The showcase aims to provide a welcoming platform for local Black talent to come network and share the special kind of magic that only WE can create.  This is a chance for our Kings & Queens to showcase the creations that are manifested from the ancestral well of Black Gold all of our spirits draw from. This event will also serve as a fundraising opportunity for the continued initiative of feeding, clothing, and sheltering those in our community by the Revolutionary Black Panther Party, as well as the Beyond the March Project hosted by the Tallahassee Blacktivists, which will show long term support to supporting and sustaining Black businesses.”

-Time 7:00pm-10:00pm

-Location: 2122 W Pensacola St. Tallahassee, FL 323o4

Tuesday, September 6, 2016: Headed by Mike Curry

Cultural Ascension: The Awakening

“Cultural Ascension: The Awakening, as a fashion show/clothing drive is important, not only because of what it represents for Melanin Week, but also what it means in terms of the message we want to send into our community. The African/Afro-centric centered attire as well as jewelry modeled during the show will highlight our unique sense of style as apart of the African diaspora, but also fully display the beauty of the people of melanin and their ability to express the beauty of their souls tangibly. The modeling of new clothing and the donating of old, in many ways shows the cycle of energy that we feel should flow within our community. We must learn to bridge the gap between our elderly and our youth, history and progression, and new and old knowledge. Cultural Ascension seeks to create a steady flow of clothing within our community, so that no one lacks the proper means to cover themselves, which allows them to use that brain power to conquer other issues that may exist. We are all needed in order for our family to be complete, from the youngest child, to our ancestors above us, Cultural Ascension seeks to display that message.”

-Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm

-Location (TBA)

Wednesday, September 7, 2016: Headed by Apollo Thirtin

Melanin Festival (Main Event)

“A Day of Melanin! This Festival will be filmed with melanin filled black owned businesses, artist, food, and so much more. There will be live music, organizations, give-a-ways, competitions and so much more. On the highest of seven hills Florida A&M University.”

-Time 11:00am-6:00pm

-Location FAMU Quad

Thursday, September 8, 2016: Headed by Dabeast

VHS Day

Melanin Fest ’16 presents: VHS Day is a day where you can express how proud you are of your melanin and also be aware of it as well. The community event will focus on the awareness of melanin, spreading words of knowledge and empowerment. The cipher event will be dedicated to the art of speaking what’s on one’s mind without the feeling of restraint. The black and gold party will symbolize the strength and unity of melanin’s effect on one another in the form of a celebration! VHS Day…a day to be aware of your melanin!

-Time & Location: Beast Community event 11am-2pm (FAMU), Cipher Event 4pm-6pm (Goldie Sound Studio), Black and Gold Party Event 10pm-2am (Unique Wonders)

Friday, September 9, 2016

“March for Melanin” Kickoff

“Kicking off the week will be a March to the capital with 561 people representing the 561 lives lost so far this year to police brutally. A full film production of the March will be made to give a voice to the people. As we kickoff the week, we hope that you all come to partake in what will be a historic moment of unity in Tallahassee, FL.”

-Time 3:00pm-6:00pm

-Requirements: White T Shirt