Since 2017, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Boulder County branch has fought for equal rights for all persons in Boulder. Their mission – to eliminate race-based discrimination – is supported through efforts to lead, advance and advocate for social justice. A major pillar of the organization is education.
Dr. DeAndre Taylor, Program Director of Boulder’s NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Celebration, highlights the ability of art to build community understanding. “As an organization, we are committed to uplifting the Boulder community through cultural experiences. Hearing the stories of others helps us to reflect on our own lives and shift our perspective.”
NAACP Boulder County uses grant funding from the City of Boulder Office of Arts and Culture to help provide educational, cultural and artistic experiences to the community. “Because of grant funding, we are able to make our Freedom Fund Celebration free. This is pretty remarkable, because Freedom Fund Celebrations across the country are typically used as fundraisers for NAACP branches,” said Dr. Taylor. “While we do accept donations, we want to make the experience as accessible as possible for community members here in Boulder.”
This year’s Freedom Fund Celebration was held on Sunday, Feb. 18 in CU Boulder’s Macky Auditorium. The program included an unforgettable conversation with Anthony Ray Hinton, who triumphed over nearly 30 years on Alabama’s death row for a crime he didn’t commit. His presentation was followed by a powerful performance from Daniel Ponder, a soulful R&B artist.
“As an organization, we bring in models of Black excellence for our young people to see and learn from,” said Jude Landsman, NAACP Vice President and Economic Opportunity Chair. “Diversity brings cultural vibrancy to our community – and people are thirsty for that type of vibrancy. Artistic expression has a unique ability to intersect across all types of systemic racism. It speaks a language that we can all understand.”
If you’re thinking about applying for a Boulder Arts Commission Cultural Grant, Dr. Taylor has some simple advice: “Get started. Get out of your head and just apply!” As a former member of the Boulder Arts Commission, Landsman also advises first-time grant applicants to know the value of their work. “The Office of Arts and Culture helps fund NAACP community projects because they believe in the integrity of what we bring to Boulder. It’s important to communicate the value of your project or event to the community.”
For more information about upcoming NAACP Boulder County events and ways to get involved, visit naacpbouldercounty.org and follow them on social media @naacpbouldercounty.
Image credit: NAACP Boulder County