Men of Change exhibit looks to inspire

By Becky Mayad

The African American Museum, Dallas will host the Smithsonian Institution’s stunning traveling exhibition, Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. from now through Sept. 12. 

The exhibition presents the narrative of a nation through the profiles of significant African American men who are icons in the country’s historical and cultural landscape. Created by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), Men of Change is made possible through the support of Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford. Admission to the Museum and Men of Change is free. The Museum is located at 3536 Grand Ave. in Dallas’ historic Fair Park. 

Men of Change highlights revolutionary men — including Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, W.E.B. Du Bois and Kendrick Lamar — whose journeys have altered the history and culture of the country through politics, sports, science, entertainment, business and religion. Each biography is paired with original artwork by a noted artist that accentuates the subjects’ individual legacies. The exhibition weaves a collective tapestry of what it is to be an African American man, past and present, and the legacy that only strengthens across generations. 

Participating artists include Nina Chanel Abney, Derrick Adams, Robert Pruitt, Tariku Shiferaw and Devan Shimoyama.

“The African American Museum, Dallas is very proud to bring Men of Change to the people of North Texas and showcase the momentous stories of extraordinary African American men who have changed our world for the better,” said Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr., president and CEO of the African. American Museum, Dallas. “This is an inspiring lesson in American history that must be shared.” 

A diverse group of artists, advisors, academics, curators and museum professionals determined the men chosen as Men of Change. From Carter G. Woodson to Ryan Coogler, these men have changed entire fields, fought for justice, revolutionized art, and touched millions of lives directly and indirectly. 

“We hope that by experiencing Men of Change visitors will see a lesson for us all, regardless of gender, race or nationality,” said Myriam Springuel, director of SITES and Smithsonian Affiliations. “In these men we see an absolute ideal and a well of inspiration that encourages us to become our best selves.”

These men serve as metaphors, representing the many more men and the broader community that shaped them into important change agents. Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. also incorporates the names and language of others — men and women — that signify the power of the African American journey in the American story. 

The African American Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Sundays.  For more information, go to aamdallas.org.