The Northern Illinois University Center for Black Studies and the College of Visual and Performing Arts are hosting an art for social justice event, “Art and Soul.” The event will be held Thursday, October 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the main entrance of the university on Castle Drive. The Huskie Bus Line buses will be rerouted from noon Thursday until Friday morning.
The entire community is invited to join together to help paint “Black Lives Matter” on Castle Drive. Paint, rollers, and brushes will be supplied.
Participants will be limited to 50 at any one time, but attendees may join in at any time throughout the afternoon to make their mark and show their commitment to social justice.
Safety measures will be followed. Masks must be worn. Wipes will be used to clean the brush handles and rollers after each use. Safety protocols will be facilitated by members of the Center for Black Studies and students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
In addition to the group painting, there will be performances and speakers throughout the event, including the NIU Black Choir, jazz ensembles, percussion ensemble, dance improvisation, and readings from a variety of texts.
“The paint used is water-based and non-toxic,” said Paul Kassel, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “It is expected to last through the rest of the fall semester. Though the image may fade, our commitment to social justice and to a strong Huskie community will remain vivid and strong. We believe that one answer to a hateful act is an act of affirmation of our values. It is in that spirit that this event is being held—to testify and signify to all that NIU holds an unshakeable belief that Black Lives Matter.”
For more information, contact the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Donee Spizzirri at dspizzirri@niu.edu.
