The Spurlock Museum has several internal working groups and priority projects to help the museum reach its full potential and help staff navigate some of the major changes being made.
One of our key priorities focuses on health.
In an emergency, flight attendants will instruct you to secure an oxygen mask before helping others (such as small children) put on their masks.
The point is simple. The thing is, it’s hard to help others if you’re not ready or haven’t taken care of yourself yet first.
Museums are not airplanes, and museum professionals are not responsible for saving lives.
However, we have a responsibility to our community stakeholders to thoughtfully steward our vast collection of cultural materials and their cultural stories.
This can be a daunting task, as history has presented us with many challenges.
But as we learn, the past has also left us with ways to find joy.
When Dr. Ruby Mendenhall and Florence Adib approached Spurlock to propose an exhibit based on the idea of Black joy, Spurlock’s staff went all in.
With a focus on dynamic programming, the exhibit transitioned to the “Black Joy Project,” which “explores the beauty, joy, and resiliency of Black women and girls, and the challenges they face during the social unrest following COVID-19 and the slaughter of Black people. We celebrate their lived experiences. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, etc. ”
Mendenhall and Adib were inspired by their trauma-based work with black mothers and young girls, as well as WEB DuBois’ presentation at the 1900 Paris Exposition.
DuBois assembled hundreds of photographs, books, maps, and diagrams to counter persistent negative stereotypes of black Americans and emphasize their humanity.
The Black Joy Project includes photographs taken by Black girls and visual elements that highlight how Black people continue to find and cultivate joy in their everyday lives.
How can we find joy?
We feel joy when we nurture and energize eight dimensions of health: body, mind, work, spirit, finances, community, emotions, and environment.
The National Library of Medicine defines wellness as “the holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual health, energizing the body, revitalizing the mind, and nurturing the spirit.”
Throughout 2024, public events will be held that incorporate the project’s themes into performances, workshops, talks, and other programs.
Develop physical health through dance and other movements.
We promote economic health through the Black Business Expo.
Holistic wellness is emphasized through the “Black Joy Project” Wellness Store (located within the Spurlock Museum).
There, visitors can connect with resources and tools that help them tap into the dimensions of wellness and find joy.
This project will continue to grow and generate joy throughout the year. We hope the community will join you on this journey.
For more information, visit go.illinois.edu/theblackjoyproject.
Monica M. Scott is the Manager of Community Engagement and Programming at Spurlock Museum.
