Youth participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County program explored the concepts of fear and safety at a special arts experience presented by Work of HeART, which provides a series of artistic and collaborative projects for youth related to JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) initiatives. The event, which took place at the historic Old Dillard Museum, attracted 25 Littles and Bigs.
Guided by teaching artists from The Art Prevails Project led by former Little Darius Daughtry, youth discussed feeling safe and experiencing fear and then created paintings on miniature canvasses representing both. All the decorated tiles were placed on a board forming one piece of art declaring, “Bravery is not the opposite of FEAR. BRAVERY is overcoming fear.”
“This really was a powerful, introspective experience for Bigs and Littles alike,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “The activity encouraged youth to think about their feelings and express them in art form. It was a very special day.”
The Work of HeART gathering was underwritten by The Starbucks Foundation and the Community Foundation of Broward’s Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund, Francis J. Crowley Fund, Edwin A. and Jane N. Huston Fund, and the Mildred H. Fagen Charitable Fund.
The Old Dillard Museum, a landmark that has served as an important focal point of education and culture for Fort Lauderdale’s African American community, was the perfect location to host Work of HeART. Old Dillard, named after Dr. James Hardy Dillard, a prominent philanthropist and educator, was the city’s first school for African American students in 1907.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County is dedicated to creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Its larger vision is for all youth to achieve their full potential. For more information, visit www.BBBSBroward.org.
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