Madison Reporter

The Bubbler at Madison Public Library is set to open a new group art exhibition titled "I AM A Man: The Re-humanization of Black Men" at the Goodman South Madison Library on November 18. Curated by painter and mixed media artist Sharon Bjyrd, the exhibition will feature works from five other visual artists: Jerry Jordan, DaRen Morris, Alice Traore, The Artist, and Shandra Bjyrd.

The exhibit draws inspiration from the "I AM A Man" slogan that became iconic during the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers' strike amid the Civil Rights Movement. This protest highlighted the dangerous conditions faced by Black workers. Sharon Bjyrd's visit to the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial in Memphis influenced her decision to focus on re-humanizing Black men through art.

"This is a celebration of their strength, their resilience, and their joy—a tribute to the men who came before and those who are shaping our future,” said Bjyrd. “This is for the Black men in my life and all those who deserve to be seen and honored for who they are: fully human, fully worthy.”

Trent Miller, Head Bubblerarian for Madison Public Library, expressed his hopes for this exhibition to generate meaningful conversations about its historical context. “I love how this exhibition uses the iconic ‘I AM A Man’ slogan to connect past stories, present realities, and future hopes," he stated.

Running until February 28, the exhibition will include three events featuring community discussions with artists and themed playlists accompanying each work. These events will take place on December 5th, January 18th, and February 20th at Goodman South Madison Library.

Additional partners such as Charles Payne with performances from his play "Da Classroom Ain't Enuf," students from Dane County's Juvenile Detention Center with their mural project "We Wish You Knew," and printmaking activities led by Phil Hassett will further amplify this exhibition.

Bubbler exhibitions receive support from Dane Arts and Friends of the Madison Public Library. More information can be found at madisonbubbler.org/exhibitions.