The 44 Percent: Black Democrats, Black art during Basel, North Miami’s new mayor
I spoke with artist Kabuya Pamela Bowens-Saffo about what inspires her and how she got into art. She mentioned her first grade art teacher, Hank Bell.
Her story reminded me of my elementary school art teacher, Mrs. Vales. She was so proud to be a Black artist. Mrs. Vales is also the reason I know about the late Faith Ringgold and that the art of quilting in African-American heritage is important.
Mrs. Vales had a way of making you care about art and how Black people can see beautiful, positive versions of themselves through it.
Bowens-Saffo and Mrs. Vales are reminders that Black art deserves to take up more space, not just because it is gorgeous to look at but because it helps instill pride in Black people at a time where our existence continues to be challenged.
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INSIDE THE 305:
Black Democrats express disappointment with the party’s South Florida outreach
Some Black surrogates in the Democratic party felt neglected by the outreach done in the wake of Kamala Harris’ campaign and in some ways snubbed by the party.
As Herald reporter Michael Butler writes: SarDeborah Wright said she is one of many Black voters in South Florida who believe the Democratic National Committee could have done more to support local efforts to help Harris become the next U.S. president, especially in regards to initiatives in the Black community. Instead, Donald Trump clinched a commanding victory against Harris in Florida and defeated the vice president in all seven swing states, picking up increased support from Hispanics and, to a lesser degree, Black voters. About 58% of Hispanic and Latino voters in Florida went for Trump, compared to 47% in 2020, according to exit polls. Trump also made inroads with Black voters, earning 15% of the Black vote in Florida, up five percentage points since 2020.
North Miami’s mayor was appointed two years ago. He just won the runoff election
Alix Desulme will remain mayor of North Miami after 68% of voters cast ballots for him in Tuesday night’s runoff election. Desulme, who was appointed mayor at the end of 2022, beat out challenger Hector Medina.
He will now face several challenges, including finding funds to fix the city’s aging water tower, addressing the constant flooding in the city streets and managing residents’ concerns about development.
For this artist from Richmond Heights, first solo exhibit in Miami is a homecoming
Kabuya Pamela Bowens-Saffo is a world-renowned artist, so I was surprised to learn this was her first solo art exhibition in Miami during Art Week. The emphasis she places on community, specifically the Richmond Heights neighborhood, permeates throughout her work. It will be on displace through March 15 at Miami Dade College’s Padrón Campus Art Gallery, Building 3, Room 3113, 627 SW 27th Ave. in Miami.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Memphis Police Use Excessive Force And Discriminate Against Black People, Justice Department Finds
New findings from a U.S. Department of Justice investigation revealed that Memphis Police Department uses force and discriminates against Black people, the Associated Press reported. The investigation and the report, which was released Wednesday, came after the beating death of Tyre Nichols in 2023:
From the AP: The city said in a letter released earlier Wednesday that it would not agree to negotiate federal oversight of its police department until it could review and challenge results of the investigation.
District of Columbia says Amazon secretly stopped fast deliveries to 2 predominantly Black ZIP codes
Amazon is being sued by D.C. after the capital city alleged the company stopped providing its fastest delivery service to residents of two predominantly Black neighborhoods.
From the Associated Press: The District of Columbia sued Amazon on Wednesday, alleging the company secretly stopped providing its fastest delivery service to residents of two predominantly Black neighborhoods while still charging millions of dollars for a membership that promises the benefit.
The complaint filed in District of Columbia Superior Court revolves around Amazon’s Prime membership, which costs consumers $139 per year or $14.99 per month for fast deliveries — including one-day, two-day and same-day shipments — along with other enhancements.
HIGH CULTURE:
As hordes of people flock to Art Basel in Miami Beach, two events to check out the this week are the exhibits at Hampton Art Lovers Point Comfort Fair in Overtown and Ten North Group’s the Art of Transformation in Opa-locka. The events cater to Black artists and are free. And on Sunday, take some time watch some short films during the inaugural Afro-Latino Short Film Competition in Fort Lauderdale.
Where does “The 44 Percent” name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter’s title.
