It’s well into fall in Southern California, and the holiday season soon approaches. Every November, just before Thanksgiving, Museum Of African American Art (MAAA) decorates their Christmas tree with originally created ornaments and invites a packed house of community members and artists to celebrate and share.
“It’s an annual free event that brings together the community during the holiday season, and kicks off the museum’s holiday shopping season,” said MAAA Board President, Berlinda Fontenot-Jamerson.
The day of celebration was dedicated to the families of the greater Los Angeles community. Wendy Raquel Robinson, actress & co-founder of Amazing Grace Conservatory, has served as event host for the last three years.
“Wendy has been a supporter and partner of the museum, lending her time and talent as host and mistress of ceremony. “
Program activities included performances by Christmas Riddles for Kids, by Jamie Quillen and nine-year-old daughter, Sophia, West Angeles Church of God in Christ Angelic Children’s Choir, story-telling by Simone Wilson.
Greetings and remarks by Rory Pullen,Executive Director, LAUSD, Art Education Division. Pullen urged parents to be vigilant and involved in their children’s arts education and help be involved by helping shape shape the new direction of LAUSD Arts Education Division.
The program ended with Robinson leading the lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony, which concluded with refreshments, shopping in the gift shop, and the viewing of the museum’s renown art collection. MAAA is cultural and educational institution dedicated to the interpretation, promotion, and preservation of art by or about people of African descent; and their contribution to world culture.
According to Fontenot Jamerson, patronizing the Gift Shop, taking out a membership, making a donation, or renting space for non-profit events or causes, helps sustain the museum and allows it to continue offering free programs to the community and general public.
MAAA is located in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza – at 4005 Crenshaw Blvd., 3rd floor Macys, Los Angeles, CA. 90008
For more information on MAAA see the website: www.maaala.org; or phone (323) 294-7071.
