October 6, 2016
Dear Mr. Brill:
I am delighted to inform you that the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts (CAAMA) is currently showing its inaugural exhibition, Everyday Beauty. The exhibit examines African American history and culture by presenting 100 images spanning 100 years, which highlight rarely seen items from the museum’s growing photography and moving image collection. There is also an interactive table that highlights additional photographs and films, and provides visitors an opportunity to further explore the museum’s growing collection.
African Americans have long recognized the power of images, and they have used photography and film to challenge negative perceptions, demonstrate the strength of the human spirit, and promote social reform. This inaugural exhibition highlights the beauty of everyday occasions thematically, through self-presentation, courtship and family, faith and activism, education and uplift, and work and play. The show is currently on display on the Explore More! floor in the museum, which is located the 2nd floor. Everyday Beauty will be on display until April 2016. If you are in the area, I hope you will visit the museum and see the exhibition.
I also want to thank you for your generous contribution to the museum, some of which is on display in the current exhibition. Your item is located in the faith and activism section. Our donors are a vital part of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and it would not have been possible to build the museum’s collections without you. Thank you for your generosity and for sharing your stories.
Sincerely,
Rhea L. Combs
Rhea L. Combs, PhD
Museum Curator – Photography & Film
Head | Earl W. and Amanda Stafford
Center for African American Media Arts (CAAMA)