by: Kennedy Smith
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) –
The University of Arkansas Multicultural Center hosted a reception for the grand opening of its new Black History Month gallery, Indigo, Feb 12. Students, faculty, and members of the community gathered in the Anne Kittrell Gallery in the student union for food and fellowship to celebrate the project and the opening of the exhibit.
This celebration is just one of many efforts put on by the Multicultural Center during Black History Month. Each year, students and staff put on a photoshoot to honor the black community. The Multicultural Center has executed a photoshoot project the last three years. In order to execute the project, they choose a theme, tie it to fashion and how it can honor black history.
Indigo, this year’s theme, features outfits composed of denim and white clothing pieces. The name Indigo is inspired by the indigo plant used in the process of dying denim, which helps bring out the blue color in the material.
Associate Director of the Multicultural Center AnReckez Daniels initially chose the denim and white pieces because they are closet staples, but through research, he was able to tie it back to black history.
“I did a deep dive into the history of denim and I connected it to the African American community. It’s a beautiful history and I was able to connect those two things and bring that to life throughout this project,” said Daniels.
From his research, Daniels was able to discover that the indigo plant was grown and maintained in the United States from enslaved African Americans. During the Civil Rights Movement, denim articles of clothing and overalls were worn during protests in an effort of support and symbolism.
In the 90s, denim was worn by black artists like Michael Jackson, and continues to be worn by black artists today like Beyonce. Now, as a versatile closet staple, Daniels and the Multicultural Center hope to bring awareness to the origin of denim and the power of blue jean clothing and fashion.
“I want to bring the history of denim back and I also want students to feel as if they belong here on campus. I feel like putting them on the walls of this university, printing these photos, and then having these photos for years and years to come… That’s what I want to accomplish. I want them to feel like they are a part of the history of the University of Arkansas.” said Daniels.
In addition to the theme, Indigo, Daniels wanted to make sure that he captured not only a variety of University of Arkansas students and members of the black community, but also a specific group. This year, the Homecoming King and Queen, Trayvius Brown and Sydney Roulhac, as well as the titleholder of Miss University of Arkansas, BreAnna Grayson, are all part of the black community. He wanted to make sure that all three of them were showcased in the photoshoot.
The Multicultural Center said in a statement that “Indigo celebrates the strength, creativity, and contributions of our community while reflecting on the enduring impact of black history and black present.”
Those wanting to view the Indigo photo exhibit can do so until Feb 28.
