Activism Now

2024

curator

Activism Now is an art exhibit created as part of BWWLA’s Stop the Hate initiative, designed to spotlight six contemporary activists who embody the legacies of Malcolm X and Yuri Kochiyama. Launched in May 2023, this exhibition serves as a prelude to a grand celebration on May 19th and aims to connect past and present struggles for justice. To achieve this, we commissioned acclaimed artist Monica Ahanonu, with over 108k followers on Instagram and known for her bold & vibrant illustration style, to create six distinctive illustrative portraits that honor these activists. Ahanonu, a Black artist, captures the essence of each activist—their strength, vulnerability, and beauty—while highlighting the profound connection between art and social change. The portraits were displayed at three locations across California throughout May/June, kicking off with an impactful celebration in Los Angeles that drew attention to both the artist and the activists. The exhibit effectively amplified the initiative’s message, inspiring dialogue around the legacies of Malcolm X and Yuri Kochiyama and reinforcing the notion that the fight for justice continues today, fueled by the resilience of those who came before usActivism Now exemplifies how creative expression can serve as a powerful catalyst for social change and community engagement.