Author: Kayla Schiltz

Superficial Institutionalized History

On September 13, 2019

The exhibit “Determined” brought about mainly negative reactions from the group. Free Egunfemi reminded us to go in with an open-mind and absorb all we can about the exhibit. She wanted us to also focus on what the exhibit was missing.

The group first sat around a table and Free Egunfemi talked to us about how she got Untold RVA started and how she thinks it is up to the people themselves and not the institutions job to share the history and stories of cultures and oppressed people. She believes that historical exhibits generally are commentaries of history and they do not go further into the history and talk about the true pain and struggles and how it exists today. Egunfemi also mentioned her disappointment that the exhibit does not mention Gabriel at all. Optimistically, she said that it can provide the opportunity for the people to share the story of Gabriel and do it with dignity and sincerity. Free Egunfemi’s mentality reminds me of the “Emergent Strategy” reading because she comes from a mindset of healing rather than hate and destruction. She carries herself with grace as she tells the horrible stories of Richmond and this country. She acknowledges the problems in her community and she mindfully adjusts to the situation and figures out ways to move past it and create a better/improving situation. Lastly, she said that the name of the exhibit itself is linguistically sad. Free Egunfemi told us that she uses the word “self-determined” to describe stories such as the story of Gabriel and how determined he was for the rebellion and to make change for himself and his people. She believes that leaving out the word “self” lessens the strength of the term and how important it is in fighting and fixing the struggles in society.

After looking at the exhibit, the group met together and we discussed our interpretations of it. First, we talked about how superficial and cheesy it was. We felt like the majority of the exhibit was spitting out textbook facts and did not make it personal. It discussed the facts and dates from the start of slavery but then it skipped many years until it reached the present. The exhibit skipped many years as if nothing bad was going on during that time which added to the superficial and insincere quality of it. The walls even go from red, to orange, to brown, to green, and then to purple. It made it seem like society was bad during the time of slavery but since slavery “ended” and we had a black president then everything is better now. The colors symbolized pain and darkness and transitioned to a good and hopeful tone. The group discussed that the exhibit tried to cover up the reality and try to divert people’s attention to the successes of black people in America but do not highlight that the problems still exist. Last year, I learned of the idea that the injustices from history still exist today but they evolved which is why people think things have gotten better but in reality it has not.

The exhibit missed a personal aspect of their history telling. Adding connections from history to today is necessary and it was lacking. Also, like I mentioned, the exhibit needs to tell the injustices that are still going on currently. They can talk about the problems going on all over the world or country but the group also talked about how it would be interesting to specifically focus on the problems existing in Richmond. Thankfully, Untold RVA exists so that it can tell those stories of the true injustices in the area.

I think that the distinction between African American history and American history is interesting and important to talk about. Yes, we can tell the story of black people but there were the oppressed and the oppressors who were part in the making of America. Calling it African American separates black people from stories of this country. Black people are the heart of America and the oppressors exploited them for their own gains. We lessen their contributions to this country and we disrespect the struggles that they went through.

I wonder what other programs are like Untold RVA around the country because I believe that they can do the real work to commemorate the oppressed better than institutions.

Gabriel Week Event

By Kayla Schiltz

On September 6, 2019

In WEEK TWO

The Gabriel Week event provided me new insight to what the project was about and what it was going to be like. The Reverend, the march and shuffle, the meditation circle, and the community coming together created a great experience for me.

The Reverend, or the women who did most of the speaking provided disturbing knowledge such as, “Most of the lynchings were state functioned”. She also provided nourishing information such as, “Our ancestors can be commemorated and live through our bodies as we dance and not just as statues”.

The march and shuffle that was taught to us was very powerful and unifying. Everyone was able to do the movements, so professional dancers and community members with no technical training could stand as one for a good cause. We traveled through the burial ground up into the streets where cars passing by could see us. The cars were honking as they drove passed us. At first, I felt insecure as the cars were honking because people generally honk when they feel anger or fear. However, I finally realized that they were honking to support what we were doing.

At the end of the ceremony, we participated in a meditation circle which made me feel in-tune with myself and spirits near me. It was a beautiful and important addition to the event. I felt that the meditation added a peaceful aspect to the event which could have brought out anger and sorrow.

I want to keep learning about the event and the history behind it so that I can inform others about it. Also, I want to be informed of other areas that have been neglected under the state and how we can commemorate those areas.

The First Encounter

By Kayla Schiltz

On August 30, 2019

In WEEK ONE

I was anxious and curious about traveling to VCU because I did not know what to expect from the new classroom, people, process, and product. However, after the first meeting, I became excited for an excellent learning opportunity under the teachings of a creative and intelligent artist.

The beginning of the meeting was filled with positive and lively energy. M.K’s enthusiasm brought joy and comfort to the room and it encouraged me to bring the same energy. M.K started with making a class agreement which I respected but never did in a dance class before. The agreements that were produced were generally to respect and to be kind to others which can be shown in many ways through behavior, mentality and verbal speech. The creation of the class agreements also provided the students a chance to share their opinions with each other which created a small yet powerful bonding experience. Moreover, the bonding experience increased when we were moving around. There were small moments of individual improve, along with introductions, that we later shared and copied from others. The movement allowed everyone’s energies to be shared with each other.

M.K characterizes herself as a cultural organizer which I believe translates through her teaching style. She brought everyone together for a purpose and is passionate about her project. Additionally, she is open to everyone’s thoughts and opinions and works with it. The definition of culture M.K. utilizes says that is is a way of living. I believe that she is creating a small culture and community in the dance studio. The culture in the studio is a respectful, fun, open, and hard working environment. For future project of my own, I hope that I can create the same environment that she created.

I did not face any distinct challenges that day, however, I know that as the project moves forward some will come up. From this experience, I expect to have more knowledge and inspiration for whenever I want to create my own artistic project for the community. I am interested to observe all the moving parts of creating a meaningful dance that impacts the community. M.K’s vision of the choreography is not yet apparent to me and I do not know what kind of emotions she wants to create with the dancers. During future meetings, I will be sure to ask what kind of mood she wants us to evoke. I believe that knowing the type of emotion to produce can alter the execution of the choreography.