Pierians Foundation, Inc. Award

Release Contact Name: Mollie Neal
Phone: 301-452-7882
Email: MNeal41852@aol.com
Date: April 19, 2017

Pierians Foundation, Inc. Award “Project Water Us” Artistic Expression Program
at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint

Flint Chapter Pierians will launch “Project Water Us,” an artistic expression program, May 1 – 12, 2017 at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint. “Project Water Us” is an innovative program focusing on the resilient life force of protest art and art as a form of self- determination as manifest in African American social justice traditions. Historical periods explored will include
the art of the Enslavement era, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Civil Rights era, as well as the present day aesthetic of Hip Hop. Given the perils of the Flint Water Crisis, this curriculum addresses the Water Crisis from a child-centered perspective.  Students align with the rich culture of artistic self-determination by clarifying emotions surrounding the Flint Water Crisis
through the inspirational genres of mask making, poetry/spoken word, collage creation, drama, and music composition. Literary artist/educator Semaj Brown created the frame of “Project Water Us,” and collaborated and enhanced by professional educators Edith Withey – Visual Arts; Diane Kirksey –Music and Janet Poole-Little – Drama, with Corinne Edwards, Ed.D, serving as educational advisor. The president of Flint Chapter Pierians is Velynda Makhene.

“Project Water Us” is made possible through a $1,000.00 award from The Pierians Foundation, Incorporated National Project Award. Mollie W. Neal, President of The Pierians Foundation, Inc. states, “The Pierians Foundation, Inc. is building a track record of investing in impactful arts education initiatives that will be used to enhance communities.”

“We are so fortunate to partner with the Flint Chapter Pierians to provide our youth the “Project Water Us” program,” said Tauzari Robinson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience for our members to be able to engage in a program that will transform their understanding of these historical moments that have helped to shape today’s world. Our Club members will learn that they have a voice and can truly make an impact on our community. For our kids to be able to learn from this amazing group of individuals is an invaluable experience.”

About the Pierians Foundation, Inc.
Pierians Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to delivering quality
artistic programs to communities throughout the United States, and to raising funds to support
community-based artistic projects, art appreciation programs, art education programs in schools,
and emerging artists in the performing, visual and literary arts. Through its National Project
Award, the Pierians Foundation seeks to support the career aspirations of emerging artists. The
National Project Award honors an aspiring artist who has demonstrated unusual and exceptional
artistic talent and potential. For the year 2016, the Foundation recognizes Dylan Guest’s
extraordinary talent as a sculptor. For more information about The Pierians Foundation,
Incorporated, visit http://pieriansfoundation.org/

About Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint is a positive and safe place for all children, with special
attention for those from challenged circumstances, to attend after school, on select Saturdays and
during the summer. It costs only $10 per year for a child to become a member (assistance
available), while the actual cost of providing service is about $500 per child. The difference is
made up through grants, foundations, individual donors and support from corporate partners. The
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint provides programming to 2,500 local youngsters focusing to
ensure that Club youth achieve outcomes in three priority areas: Academic Success, Good
Character and Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. For more information about the Boys & Girls
Clubs of Greater Flint, visit www.bgclubflint.org