COMMUNITY DAY PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE VIRGINIA AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER¬

Community Day is a Museum-wide activation encouraging intergenerational conversation. Explore our current exhibitions, and join us for a day of performances, activities, artist demos, community resources, food, and more.

PARKING MAP →

VIEW THE DIGITAL BROCHURE →

FOOD & RIDE VOUCHERS

The first 400 guests to arrive on-site will receive a food voucher to be used toward food truck purchases. We are also offering a limited number of Uber ride vouchers worth up to $30 to get you to and from the event. Use ride voucher code rM0yWXeaEII to redeem your credit (you can also scan the QR code on either the Digital Brochure or the printed version you will receive upon arrival). If your ride costs exceed the voucher amount, you will be responsible to pay the difference. Terms & fees apply.

Special thanks to Jordan Schnitzer, Schnitzer Properties, and EVMS for their generous support of Community Day.

PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

ALL-DAY ACTIVITIES

Atrium Artists in Residence: Amber Pierce, Poetry Jackson, and Nadd Harvin

Engage with working artists creating on-site inspired by Kara Walker: Cut to the Quick and LaToya M. Hobbs: Flourish. Artists will have mobile studios set up in the Virginia MOCA Atrium.

Community Partners

Connect with community organizations to discover new resources and activities.

African American Genealogy Society of Hampton Roads
Arts for Learning Virginia
Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice Research and Policy at Christopher Newport University
Fort Monroe Authority
Next Steps to Success
Sentara
Tidewater African Cultural Alliance
Truth Be Told Project
Urban League of Hampton Roads
Virginia Beach City Public Schools Office of Family & Community Engagement
Virginia Beach Public Library Pop-up
Virginia Beach Public Library, Edgar T. Brown Local History Archives
Virginia African American Cultural Center
YWCA of South Hampton Roads

Wellness Market by Black BRAND

Black BRAND is a nonprofit organization and the Regional Black Chamber of Commerce for Hampton Roads. Shop a selection of Black BRAND businesses focused on wellness and self-care.

Ambyance Fragrances
Baskets By Sandra & More
Elev8te Health and Wellness
Georgie Ophelia
Girlfriends Tea
I AM Wellness
Shark City Naturals
Skyn Boss
The Smoothie Stand, LLC
Zion Kreations
Grief Care Consulting, LLC
Autism Congo

PERFORMANCES

11:00–11:30 AM | Arts for Learning Virginia
Performance | From Minty to Harriet: Tubman’s Journey to Freedom
Award-winning actor Valerie Davis brings to life the heroic story of Harriet Tubman. Highlighting her early life when she was known as “Minty” to her rise as the “Moses of the South,” Davis describes how Tubman risked her own life to work alongside the Underground Railroad and guide scores of men, women, and children to freedom. In addition to learning about her perilous journeys as an abolitionist, students will hear details of Harriet Tubman’s life that are not commonly known, such as her work in the Civil War as a nurse and union spy.

12:00–12:20 PM | Teens With a Purpose | Spoken Word
Teens With a Purpose is a nonprofit organization based in Norfolk, Virginia that empowers young people through art. Join us for a powerful spoken word performance that showcases the creative talents and emotional depth of young people. Through their words, these teens explore topics ranging from identity and self-acceptance to social justice and activism, delivering a thought-provoking and inspiring message that resonates with audiences of all ages.

1:00–1:20 PM | Silhouettes: Cut to Black, The Kara Walker Project
Rouge Productions is proud to present Silhouettes: Cut to Black, The Kara Walker Project, as part of their inaugural arts in community series. In this project Brittney S. Harris, playwright and director, has worked alongside performers Ashlee Rey, Isis Marné, Leila Stephanie, and Nyaira Jones to create a moving performance demonstrating some of the ways Walker's work resonates today in our region of Coastal Virginia. 

2:00–4:00 PM | Black Be
Black Be hosted by Q5 offers a window into narratives of the Black community, as told through music, poetry, and art. This unique program encompasses a range of emotions, from joy to pain, and focuses on the community's experiences and, most importantly, its beauty. Audiences can expect to witness improvised moments between Q5 and his longtime friends, musical collaborators, and current house band Tha Fellaz (Dominic Wright, Chris Wilkes, and Donald Hurdle), who will provide the musical backdrop for this experience. The event will also feature special guests and audience participation.

WORKSHOPS

(Advance registration required)

11:00–11:45 AM | Afrobeats with Rita Addico Cohen of Tidewater African Cultural Alliance
All levels are welcome to come have a great time moving to some of the latest Afrobeats hits from the continent of Africa! Join us for a musical tour of contemporary sub-Saharan African Dance Music. Rita Addico Cohen, the Ghanaian-born founder and executive director of the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance (TACA), will be your guide. Addico Cohen is an international performing artist and African dance choreographer/performer who will share her culture through dance and music. Get ready to move, sweat, and have a blast! Space is limited. Pre-registration recommended.
Register →

12:15–1:00 PM | Equity and Justice with YWCA South Hampton Roads
Discover a deeper understanding of race and racism in Hampton Roads and America. This workshop will delve into the lasting impact and legacy these issues have left behind, while exploring ways to become actively anti-racist and how to build an equitable and just environment. Space is limited. Pre-registration recommended.
Register →

1:15–2:00 PM | Ekphrastic Poetry with Ciona Rouse
The practice of ekphrasis allows you to be a witness to visual art with language arts. Join Kara Walker: Cut to the Quick co-curator and poet Ciona Rouse for a short practice of viewing art, guided writing exercises, and group discussion. Regardless of your poetry experience, you'll discover a way to engage with art and tap into your own creativity with language. No prior writing or visual art knowledge is necessary, so come ready to be inspired and express yourself. Space is limited. Pre-registration recommended.
Register →

2:15–3:00 PM | The Art of Money 2023 with the Urban League of Hampton Roads
This workshop offers invaluable insights into money management and empowers you to transform your relationship with your finances. With a focus on overcoming fears and challenges, our expert tips and strategies will help you gain the confidence needed to take control of your financial future.
Register →

3:15–4:00 PM | African American Genealogy with Virginia Beach Public Library, Edgar T. Brown Local History Archives
Dive into African American genealogy and learn how to get started researching your family history and what resources can be helpful in breaking past the "1870 Brick Wall". Discover what free resources are available and how library staff can assist you in your genealogical journey. Space is limited. Pre-registration recommended.
Register →

CURATORS TOURS

11:30–12:00 PM & 3:00–3:30 PM
Join Kara Walker: Cut to the Quick co-curators Heather Hakimzadeh and Ciona Rouse for a guided tour of the exhibition. Please meet at the exhibitions entrance doors.

OUTDOORS

Food trucks and seating.

Enjoy food and refreshments from:

Capt'n Crabby
J&K Style Grill
Southern Provisions by Cast Iron Catering
Twisted Sisters Cupcakes