New exhibit celebrates the intersection of art and funk music
By Aleisha Robinson AFRO Intern arobinson@afro.com
On June 27 the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) and the family of George Clinton hosted “A Toast to the Boogie: Art in the Name of Funk(adelic).”
The exhibit showcases rare archival pieces and memorabilia from the Clinton family and work
sourced from D.C. metropolitan artists. These pieces will be on display at the Street Gallery at 200 Street Southeast through Aug 16.
The event hosted a panel discussion with musician and activist George Clinton and Gabrelle German of the Protecting Our Legacy Foundation. They explored Clinton’s work, which has motivated artists and musicians, and spoke on ownership rights for creatives.
All photos by J. Pamela Stills
Artist Auguster Williams showcases his art, “Digitally Downloaded and Decoded: Straight Out the Slop.”
Legendary artist George Clinton (center, front) is accompanied by his grandson, Zavier Croft (left), and granddaughter Tonysha Nelson.
Photos from the personal collection of the George Clinton family.
A photo of Pedro Bell, from the personal collection of the George Clinton family.
Artist Roderick Turner unveils his SG20 (Solid Ground 20/20 Vision) series, featuring silver-painted boxes with sculptures and black-and-white photography. A light bulb within pays homage to Parliament’s song, “Flashlight.”
Artist Seemeen Hashem’s artwork “Harmony in Form,” is an assemblage of piano dampers, piano strings, piano keys, metal drum rim, a cymbal, veena, violin and car tail light.
Shown here, an art piece titled “Guitars, Sax, and Tail Lights,” by artist Seemeen Hashem.
Artist Auguster Williams (left) discusses his piece, “Aboard the Fundadelic Star Ship (FSS) Pedro Bell: Boogie in the Black Hole,” with guests.
Artist Roderick Turner creates a live painting of George Clinton during the opening reception of the exhibit, “A Toast to the Boogie: Art in the Name of Funk(adelic).”
A new art exhibition celebrates the George Clinton’s funk group ParliamentFunkadelic, known for their eclectic Afro-futuristic music, clothing, stage set designs and album covers.
Star athletes attend BIG3 basketball competition in Baltimore
By Mekhi Abbott AFRO Sports Intern mabbott@afro.com
The BIG3 league, an innovative and unique three-on-three professional basketball league founded by rapper and actor O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson Sr., is now in its seventh season. The BIG3 uses a “tour” model, unlike many typical professional basketball leagues. For 10 weekends from June 18 to Aug. 7, the BIG3 will be playing in cities such as Oakland, Calif., Newark, N.J. and Nashville, Tenn.
On June 29, the BIG3 took a trip to Baltimore and played at CFG Bank Arena. Fans came out to watch multiple former National Basketball Association champions such as Jeff Teague and Corey Brewer. The game included celebrity coaches such as the legendary Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Nancy Leiberman and Lisa Leslie, who is a three-time Women’s National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player and a winning coach in the BIG3’s 2019 season championship games.
Jeff Teague goes up for a layup over National Basketball Association champion Corey Brewer.
Baltimore native and former New York Knick superstar Carmelo Anthony speaks to Naismith Hall of Famer and Power coach Nancy Leiberman.
Bivouac’s Jaylen Johnson defends against 2010 National Basketball Association lottery pick Greg Monroe in their matchup against the 3 Headed Monsters.
Jeff Teague, 2021 National Basketball Association (NBA) champion and NBA All-Star, warms up for his matchup against Bivouac on June 29 in Baltimore.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and BIG3 founder O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson Sr. pose for a picture during week three of the 2024 BIG3 season at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore.
Gerald Green, Garlon Green, Jaylen Johnson and Javier Carter celebrate their 51-45 victory over the 3 Headed Monsters.
Naismith Hall of Famer and Triplets head coach Lisa Leslie challenges a call made by the referee as her team faces up against the Power.
National Basketball Association Slam Dunk Contest champion and Bivouac team captain Gerald Green waits to check into the game against the 3 Headed Monsters.
Basketball legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving interacts with young fans during Tri State’s matchup against the Killer 3s.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott speaks with reporters during week three of the 2024 BIG3 season at CFG Bank Arena.