Carrie Mae Weems among Honorees of Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Carrie Mae Weems

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. (CBCF) and the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses recognized the contributions of visual artist Carrie Mae Weems on Sept. 18, during the 17th Annual Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. This year’s other honorees are film director and producer Antoine Fuqua and author Tananarive Due.

Weems, a two-time SU artist-in-residence (1988 Light Work Gallery and 2005-06 VPA), instructor and ongoing collaborator in SU engagement projects, uses photographs, text, fabric, audio, digital images, installation and most recently, video to tell the story of human life. Known for her documentary photographic series, including “Family Pictures and Stories” (1978-1984); “Ain’t Jokin’” (1987-1988); “Colored People” (1989-1990); and the “Kitchen Table” series (1990), Weems explores such themes as family relationships, gender roles, the histories of racism, sexism, class and various political systems.

In addition, 20 undergraduate students studying performing and visual arts were recognized as scholarship recipients. More than 250 performing and visual arts students applied for CBCF’s national scholarship program in 2013.

“Mr. Fuqua is one of the few African Americans in Hollywood leading his own production company, while Ms. Weems and Ms. Due are independent artists, versed in a variety of mediums, whose works have been admired by millions in worldwide,” says Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “These groundbreaking artists, trailblazers in their own rights, perfectly embody the theme of this year’s ALC, It Starts With You, and we are pleased to recognize and celebrate their valuable contributions to African-American culture.”