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BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL HOSTS “BROOKLYN IS AFRICA” EXHIBIT; FEATURING A SELECTION OF RARE AND HISTORIC AFRICAN ARTIFACTS FROM THE ERIC EDWARDS COLLECTION


Brooklyn, NY (March 9, 2022) – Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso proudly announces the captivating “Brooklyn is Africa” exhibit, set to grace the halls of Brooklyn Borough Hall throughout March. In collaboration with the Cultural Museum of African Art (CMAA), the exhibit showcases a curated selection from Eric Edwards’ collection of rare and historical African artifacts, capturing the essence of the borough’s diaspora. The public is invited to explore this enriching experience on weekdays, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, starting March 10th until March 21st.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso expressed, “As home to the largest population of Africans in the United States, it is Brooklyn’s pride and obligation to celebrate this rich and diverse history that’s still omnipresent in our communities. We are honored that our first public event features pieces from the Eric Edwards collection, someone who has dedicated his life to preserving this history right here in Brooklyn.”

Eric Edwards, Founder and Executive Director of the Cultural Museum of African Art, commended Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso’s commitment to acknowledging African contributions in art, culture, science, and history. The exhibit aims to elevate Brooklyn’s awareness, marking the transition from Black History Month to Women’s History Month in March. Edwards emphasized the importance of recognizing contributions and value systems that lead to righteousness and the protective care of ancestors.

The exhibition will revolve around three central themes: maternity, music, and awareness. Maternity pays tribute to the significance of women and birth in African culture, while music explores its role in ceremonies and communication among tribal groups. The awareness theme features pieces used in ceremonial initiation, symbolizing the transition from child to adult for both boys and girls.

Brooklyn, boasting the largest population of Africans in the United States, becomes the ideal backdrop for this exhibition, aligning with the priorities and mission of Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso. The themes of the exhibit directly correlate with goals such as reducing maternal mortality rates and reintroducing art, music, and cultural celebrations to Brooklynites.

Visitors can anticipate encountering remarkable pieces like the “Standing Maternity” statue from Mali, showcasing the vital role of maternal figures in African communities. Another notable artifact is the “Poro Secret Society” mask from the Ivory Coast, symbolizing initiation into manhood and superior knowledge.

Reserve your tickets for this limited-time exhibit, or take advantage of weekday walk-ins between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Each guest will have 45 minutes to immerse themselves in the art, with background information available for each artifact.

The Cultural Museum of African Art (CMAA), curated by Eric Edwards, houses the most significant collection of African artifacts globally, spanning 54 countries and over 4,000 years of human history. In 2021, CMAA received a substantial grant from the New York State Assembly, paving the way for the creation of its first public-facing museum at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation in Brooklyn, scheduled to open its doors in July 2022.

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