Brooklyn’s My Gallery NYC expresses Black Resistance in Black Art

This year’s international theme is “Black Resistance.”One of the local judges, the Hon. Ellen E. Edwards, who presides in the Civil Court and who participates annually in the Kings County Black History Month Celebration, and sits on the committee, too, decided to “present something that would be beneficial to the community at large,” according to Judge Edwards.

As curator a group of local Black artists who were interested in displaying their works of art that spoke to the theme, “Black Resistance,” Judge Edwards put together an exhibition at My Gallery NYC in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

The presentation kicked off last Friday at My Gallery, 587 Franklin Ave., Brooklyn.

The owner of the My Gallery, Carla Ebanks having a conversation with the attendees.Photo by Ellen Edwards

According to Judge Edwards, the gallery is Black-owned and operated by artist Carla Ebanks, “who wants the gallery to be an integral part of the Crown Heights community.”

Judge Edwards is a neighbor, and Ebanks donated the space for the Black Resistance Exhibit.

One of the artists, Aleathea Sapp Jimenez, who has parents are of Caribbean descent, was at the Friday kick-off to provide the attendees with personal insight about her artwork.

From left, Judges Robin K. Sheares, Lisa S. Ottley Patria, Frias-Colon and Ellen E. Edwards. Photo by Ellen Edwards

In support of the evening’s kick-off, New York Supreme Court Justices Lisa S. Ottley, Robin K. Sheares, Patria Frias-Colon and Debra Samuels joined Judge Edwards in enjoying the evening and works of art.

Judge Edwards said “local artists, representing the Diaspora, who resist conformity and do the work of promoting our culture, were featured.

“Each artist brings a unique perspective on this theme and spoke at the gallery on Feb. 11, 2023,” she said.

Hon. Ellen Edwards (third from left) with artists and guests.Photo by Ellen Edwards

The artists were: Tafa of Ghana, West Africa by way of Harlem; Aleatha Sapp Jimenez, Brooklyn-born resident, of Caribbean parentage; Dr. Myrah Brown Green, a Brooklyn resident; and Prof. Isaac Paris, a Brooklyn resident.

The exhibit, which was free and open to the public, concluded on Sunday.