My Story is NIA Centre’s annual flagship event featuring successful African American artists and leaders intended to expose the broader community to Black culture and excellence. It is akin to a temporary pop-up cultural center in Grand Rapids.
My Story 1: Artist Paul Collins
2017
Our first My Story featured Grand Rapidian artist Paul Collins who shared his artistry and activism with our audiences.
My Story 5: Artist Esan Sommersell
Our fifth “My Story” event highlighted the art of emerging African American artist Esan Sommersell. The exhibition depicted how African Americans have been impacted by prejudice, bigotry, racism, and negative stereotypes. In addition it graphically displayed how these issues have led to African Americans constantly being subject to trauma threatening their physical and mental health.
My Story 2: The Hidden Poison #HereToo
2018
Our first My Story featured Grand Rapidian artist Paul Collins who shared his artistry and activism with our audiences.
My Story 3: Damien Escobar and Artist Deborah Shedrick
Our third “My Story” event featured Damien Escobar, a renowned violinist, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, hailing from Jamaica, Queens and Deborah Shedrick, a visual artist from Montgomery, AL. Escobar is considered to be one of the top violinists in the world while Shedrick’s artwork is featured in major art galleries, private collections, and museums in the U.S. and abroad. This combination proved to be electric as it was one of our most highly attended events on record.
Escobar also conducted an artist workshop for more than 300+ students from Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, choosing several students that were provided with the opportunity to showcase their talent. Shedrick also had the opportunity to conduct artist demonstrations at Grand Rapids Christian High School and Union High School during her visit to Grand Rapids.
My Story 4: Artist Jon McDonald
Our fourth “My Story” was dedicated to honoring the strength and success of African American women. Showcasing Twenty local, national, and international faces will be further immortalized in beautiful watercolor, inspired by the movie Hidden Figures and the historic exclusion of the contributions African American women make in society.