The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) is pleased to announce the July 28, 2018 opening of in·dif·fer·ence and Democracy, curated by John Guess, Jr. in·dif·fer·ence will be on display through September 22, 2018 and then again from October 10 through November 10, 2018. Democracy will be on display through September 15, 2018.

in·dif·fer·ence underscores the notion that the indifference of good men and women is inaction, and that inaction in the face of injustice breeds further injustice. The installation examines the extent to which statements by Donald Trump have exacerbated racial tensions and animosities in America, the extent to which many police interactions with people of color are defined by a narrative of abuse and injustice, and the current indifference and inaction of conservatives and liberals alike that appears to be resulting in a quickening reversal of racial equality.

Democracy underscores the fact that in America our primary remedy for the kinds of societal inequities that in·dif·fer·ence highlights is through the democratic process of voting. Using a re-creation of the state office of former state representative and now Mayor Sylvester Turner, we ask our audience to imagine what they would say to the individual sitting behind that desk and /or what they would do if they sat in that chair. Through video of local leaders using their voices to challenge inequities, Democracy hopes to inspire a generation to see the democratic process as a useful tool in combatting indifference, inequity and inequality.

According to HMAAC CEO John Guess, Jr., “In these times of racial divisions museums cannot be neutral, at least not at HMAAC. We rescheduled previously planned exhibitions to use our platform to engage our community in this dialogue about increasing racial animosities, our democracy and the startling silence of those in the city and in the country who would claim to be champions of racial equality.” He continued, “I cannot think of a better way to educate under-served communities about the importance of the vote than through civic lessons associated with the Turner office and Democracy, underscoring the fact that sometimes effective responses to societal cultural dynamics come from civic engagement.”

Programming for the exhibitions will include daily films, an artist panel discussion, conversations with community advocates and scholars who monitor racial issues locally and nationally, and a community forum with public servants, including police officers.

“These exhibitions highlight the concerns people of color have about what appears to be increasing racial divisiveness that must be resolved to move our city and our country toward a hoped for positive multicultural future that is reflected not simply by diversity but additionally by inclusion,” said HMAAC CEO Gina Carroll.

Democracy is graciously sponsored by the McGovern Foundation and the Board of Directors of HMAAC. in·dif·fer·ence is graciously sponsored by the Board of Directors of HMAAC. An opening reception is scheduled for July 28 at 2:00 p.m.