The Colored Girls Museum curators designer Denys Davis (l) and Monna Morton (r) graphic designer and artist were honored by the museum for being ‘ordinary, yet extraordinary’ women. Photo: Monica Peters
By Monica Peters
On Sunday, Apr. 30, The Colored Girls Museum continued its legacy of remarkable programming which focused on self-care and honoring two trailblazing women.
The beautiful institution, a home transformed into a museum, is nestled in the heart of Germantown.
The afternoon began with part two of the “Urgent Care: A Social Care Experience.” The experience expounds on the idea of the museum as a revolutionary healthcare facility where visitors see themselves as patients–and “healers as hosts of healing gifts and also creators of ancient and modern healing technologies.” Each room was transformed into a healing space.
The Cooper-Major-Whiteman family enjoyed the festivities at The Colored Girls Museum. Photo: Monica Peters
Althea Webber Bates traveled from Hartford, Connecticut to partake in the social experience.
“Urgent care was appropriate for me to come, take in this space and share information [with other women],” said Webber-Bates who career work focuses on self-care.
During the social healing experience “patients and patrons alter shared physical spaces via their individual and family histories, relationships with disability and sickness, and the ability to see others in their fullness.”
Webber-Bates’s friend Kim Brown-Greene also made the long trip from Hartford.
“I mentor girls and wanted to share this experience through my eyes and share this information with them,” said Brown-Green.
Later in the afternoon, the museum honored its curators Denys Davis and Monna Morton.
Davis, also an author, was one of the first five designers hired by IKEA when they opened their first store in the United States.
Althea Webber Bates and Kim Brown Green traveled from Connecticut to see The Colored Girls Museum Photo: Monica Peters
“I’m really excited to be honored at the museum today. It’s a wonderful distinction and to be recognized for the artwork that we did,” said Davis.
Morton, who is an award winning graphic designer and artist who has won and been recognized for more than 50 design and communication awards, agreed.
“This has been an amazing venture and to be honored for it has been amazing,” said Morton.
The Colored Girls Museum’s Founder and Executive Director Vashti Dubois was honored to honor the trailblazing women.
“It was fitting tribute for the two women who have the only permanent exhibit in The Colored Girls Museum.”
Colored Girls Museum Founder Vashti Dubois (l), museum event coordinator Valerie, curator Michael Clemmons, artist exhibitor Marie Monique Marthol and Associate Director Ian Friday. Photo: Monica Peters
“I thought the support that they got from their other ‘ordinary citizens’ celebrating the work that they’ve done and more importantly celebrating them was really, really sweet,” said Dubois whose museum celebrates ordinary, yet extraordinary Black women and girls.
Dubois runs the museum with curator Michael Clemmons and Associate Director Ian Friday.
Dubois’s message to persons who have placed visiting The Colored Girls Museum on their to-do-list: You should get to the Colored Girls Museum while you can still get in the door. Come now. Don’t wait.
The Colored Girls Museum is located at 4613 Newhall St., Philadelphia. Hours are Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with tours every hour. Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday for groups of 10 or more by appointment only. For more information on The Colored Girls Museum contact (267)630-4438 or go to thecoloredgirlsmuseum.org Note: The museum will be closed Sunday, May 6 and will reopen on Mother’s Day, May 13
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