The Central New York Community Foundation (CNYCF) recently awarded the Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) $20,000 as part of the Black Equity and Excellence Grant. The Community Folk Art Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and branch of the Department of African American Studies at Syracuse University, will use the funds to host online exhibitions, artist talks and educational programming.
“We are proud to be one of the inaugural recipients of the Black Equity and Excellence grant and commend CNYCF for their financial commitment to a corrective investment in marginalized communities that have disproportionately experienced systemic divestment,” said Tanisha Jackson, Community Folk Art Center’s executive director. “Like many arts institutions across the nation, we are navigating the challenges of serving our mission during a global pandemic. We are extremely grateful for this grant as we work to realize new creative ways to promote and develop artists of the African Diaspora during this challenging time.”
Community Folk Art Center
Hailing an invest minimum of $1 million over the next few years, the CNYCF Black Excellence Grant, was established in response to the tragedies and ensuing national conversation on race that has brought to light a common truth—that anti-Black racism is still woven into the fabric of our country. The allocation of the dollars will focus on building community dialogue, increasing the capacity of Black-led organizations that are supporting historically underserved communities, and supporting projects that counteract systemic racism. It also encourages dialogue that will strengthen race-related matters and support social and educational growth in the community.
“The structural racism we see today did not happen on its own—and as a civic leader in the Central New York region, we must use our platform and resources to take action,” said Dashell Elliott, program officer at the Foundation. “We believe that this positive step forward will help to harness today’s energy—and outrage—by focusing on solutions.”
