DuSable Museum Must Be Saved
There has been some very interesting dialog going on from one side about the future of the DuSable Museum of African American History over the last week. And it has dug up some very hurtful and past concerned issues as it relates to the University of Chicago and the Southside's black community.
Currently, there has been ongoing Facebook discussions; aligned phone chatter, and as recently as this past Monday, an actual meeting to outline certain people's dissatisfaction with the notion that the beloved DuSable Museum was up for auction.
When the alleged idea surfaced of the DuSable being taken over by the University of Chicago, I was confused and dumbfounded. This was after Robert Blackwell, the now former President & CEO of the DuSable, contacted me to express his thoughts. Because of our decade or so friendship, and him being one of my trusted mentors, Blackwell felt compelled to reach out to me to tell his story. And he was furious!
After my five years as managing editor and founder of TBTNews, I've learned to try and get as much accurate information as possible before I comment, especially on an issue so impactful. I want to make sure that each side of the story has been told, if possible. So, my first call after talking in length to Mr. Blackwell was to U of C, since I happen to have a longstanding relationship with them, as well.
I'm contracted to deliver news and information about their many initiatives taking place behind the walls of the massive structure. I professionally allocate them coverage to tell the story of their over 200 black collaborative partners that they fund or support through multiple programs. Never do I attempt to tell their story or wave their flag.
I will say this publicly, which I stated on numerous occasions to the main players involved in this legion of misinformation, that I met with the U of C leadership last week. After my meeting, I expressed to several people that the University has absolutely no interest in possessing, owning or managing the historic Museum. They are open to help with some strategic financial support, but they do not want to take over Margaret Burroughs' landmark institution - at all!
This all started with an internal memo scripted by Theaster Gates, which was his wish list in what a partnership with the DuSable could look like. Gates also sits on the board of DuSable, along with being a professor at U of C. The University had no knowledge or input into Gate's Works of Words. After the memo was revealed, an individual decided that he wanted to make this internal memo public, which is how these unwanted conversations started. And when blood is perceived to be spilled, the sharks will circle the so-called wounded animal hoping to feed.
Here are two official letters delivered to me personally last evening to match what I stated before about the University having no interest or plans for a massive landmark take over:
This is Theaster Gates. I wrote this document as an artist, Board Member/Executive Committee Member of the DuSable Museum, and resident of the South Side of Chicago. The content and ambition is based on my experience as an artist and my vision of the South Side as a world class arts and culture destination, with the DuSable being a leading force in representing and celebrating Black culture and artists.
I wrote and submitted this as a white paper in advance of conferring with the people listed. It is a preliminary vision document that was not to be circulated beyond the Executive Committee of the Board of the DuSable Museum. After sitting on the Museum's Board for a little under a year, I have deepened my understanding of the Museum's potential for curatorial and programmatic growth and look forward to providing continued support and expertise in imagining DuSable's future success.
The University's statement: As one of the most significant history museums in Chicago and the nation, the DuSable Museum is a valued neighbor to the University of Chicago. Many University faculty members engage in collaborative research and projects with the DuSable Museum and other cultural institutions as part of their scholarship and involvement in the community.
The document submitted to the museum board by Theaster Gates was not a University of Chicago proposal. The University supports the engagement of our faculty with independent museums like DuSable, however the University leadership was not aware of the document. In addition to being a UChicago faculty member, Gates is a DuSable Museum trustee, an independent artist, and an involved South Side community member. The University supports the autonomy of our faculty to collaborate with external organizations, and we understand that these were Theaster's preliminary ideas to his fellow board members.
The issue, as far as I'm concerned, revolves around one thing! What are the so-called middle class and wealthy Negroes gonna do to preserve the legacy of one of their gifted treasures? Former board member and president, Mr. Blackwell or others, should not have to go to the University of Chicago or any other outside funding source to help sustain a black MECCA.
The community should put up or shut up! Show DuSable the money - purchase memberships! And the board should utilize its cash reserve to promote the Museum as a destination of cultural relevance in order to increase memberships and visitors. This is how (we) save the DuSable Museum! Peace and One Love.
From: Carl West
