OPTICVOICES: Mama's Boys is a provocative exhibit that retracts from romanticizing the loss of sons and encourages the process of what healing looks like for mothers around the world. All captured through the galvanizing lens of Emmy Award-winning, multidisciplinary artist, Emmai Alaquiva. This work is shared through artistic love letters in the form of photography, film, mixed media, and augmented reality.
RSVP HERE:
https://awaacc.org/event/opticvoices-mamas-boys
JOIN US Saturday, October 22nd, 2022:
2p-4p | Symposium featuring
Mama’s of Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Antwon Rose II, Philando Castle, Oscar Grant. Moderated by Celeste Smith, 1HOOD. Appearance by Pittsburgh First Lady, Michelle Gainey.
6p-8p | Opening Reception w/ Emmai Alaquiva + special presentation by City of Pittsburgh’s Mayor, Ed Gainey.
Music: Dj Nate Da Barber
| Exhibit Graphic Assets: (Flyers, Social Cards, Extras)
OVMB Main Social Final (3000 x 3750)
OVMB Main Social Instagram/Facebook Story Final (1080 x 1920)
Social Singles (2000 x 2000) *to be posted throughout, no all at once
EXTRAS (Film Poster)
| Instagram Social Media
August Willson African American Cultural Center: @augustwilsonculculturalcenter
Emmai Alaquiva: @emmai_alaquiva
OPTICVOICES: @opticvoices
Mayor Ed Gainey: @edgainey24 & mayoredgainey
First Lady Michelle Gainey: @mimigainey
Celeste Smith: @hautemuslim
DJ Nate Da Barber: @djnatedabarber
| Social Media of Mama’s
Sybrina Fulton: @Sybrinafulton
Allison Jean: @allie.jean.73
Valerie Castile: @batvalsworld
Wanda Cooper-Jones: @wandacooperjones
Michelle Kenney: @antwonsmother
Rev. Wanda Johnson: @oscargrantfoundation
Lezley McSpadden: @lezleymcspaddenhead
Samaria Rice: @sam_i _am815
| FULL SCHEDULE
12pm | Doors open
12:15pm | A Welcome by Emmai Alaquiva and Janis Burley Wilson (Janis to say a few words about Emmai and then to intro First Lady)
12:20pm | Special Guest Speaker First Lady Michelle Gainey. Mrs. Gainey to speak on youth and education. She will introduce the Teen Preview.
12:30pm – 2pm | Teen Preview (Youth & Education). Light refreshments served.
*2pm – 4pm | Symposium: A Mama’s Narrative:
A shared panel discussion moderated by Celeste Smith of 1HOOD with Michelle Kenney, Lezley McSpadden, Gwen Carr, Valerie Castile and Rev. Wanda Johnson
5pm – 8pm | AWAACC Members Preview and Opening Reception featuring AWAACC resident artist, Emmai Alaquiva. Light refreshments served.
5pm – 6pm | Members Preview and Short Talk & Tour with Emmai Alaquiva
*6pm – 8pm | Public Opening Reception for OPTIC VOICES: MAMA’S BOYS. Music provided by DJ Nate Da Barber
7pm | Special guest of the Office of Mayor Ed Gainey to read a proclamation declaring OPTICVOICES: Mama’s Boys and Emmai Alaquiva Day in the City of Pittsburgh (October 22, 2022).
*OPTICVOICES: MAMA’S BOYS is presented as part of the AWAACC B.U.I.L.D Residency, possible with support from R.K. Mellon Foundation