Melanie Rodriguez/Contributing Writer
For almost 10 years, the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee has partnered with the Frost Art Museum to provide exhibits that prompt conversations of social justice, civil rights and diversity. This year’s exhibit, “Flint is Family” by LaToya Ruby Frazier takes a look at the water crisis in Flint, MI. The opening reception took place on Wednesday, Jan. 30, featuring spoken word performances and exclusive tours of the exhibition.
This year’s theme is “Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future.” MLK Commemorative Celebration Headline Artist, Pedro Jermaine declared during the opening, “there is no progression in perfection,” who believes art allows individuals to strive to make social change for the good of all of humanity.
“Conversations about environmental justice and social justice are at the front edge of progress and success for future generations,” said Jeanette Cruz, the chairperson of this year’s MLK celebration. This exhibition documents history while empowering a future of change.
In order to produce “Flint is Family,” Frazier spent five months living with the Cobb family in 2016 in order to accurately document their experiences. The exhibition’s main subject is poet Shea Cobb along with her daughter, Zion, and mother, Renée. In the exhibition, all of the artwork labels are written by the artist herself.
In an effort to promote inclusivity and greater accessibility for the community as well as in accordance with Dr. King’s vision, the Frost also fully translated the exhibition into Spanish.
The black and white images featured in this exhibition were first published in a feature by Elle magazine in 2016 on the water crisis. This original article is on display at the gallery for visitor’s to explore. The gallery contains a reading corner where guests are invited to read more about the crisis in Flint and further explore the topic they are interacting with.
The exhibition’s curator, Maryanna Ramirez, explains that the series is essentially made up of three narratives: day to day struggles, President Obama’s visit to Flint and Shea’s cousin’s wedding.
The first narrative shows the daily struggles of the people such as having to brush their teeth with bottled water and heading out of the city limits to eat at cheap restaurants. The second narrative documents President Obama’s visit to Flint and the young activists involved in the movement.
“Even through adversity life persists. Life goes on. There are these moments of celebration despite this constant concern and stress,” said Amy Gaplin, chief curator.
Cruz emphasizes on the importance of justice for all kinds and how the exhibit will showcase that during its run.
“Now at FIU, with this exhibit, visitors will have the opportunity to explore this important issue and have a meaningful conversation about the interconnectedness of daily human life and justice for all under one roof,” said Cruz.
The exhibition is sponsored by FIU’s African & African Diaspora Studies Program, College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts, FIU Alumni Association, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work and Multicultural Programs and Services.
On Thursday, February 21st at 4 PM, the Frost will be hosting the Flint Water Crisis Panel Discussion. Several FIU professors will take part in this discussion, which will bring together experts in areas of environmental science, public policy, and art to explore the problems still faced by the community in Flint today.
The exhibition will be on display until Sunday, April 14th.
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