In January 2023, Bessemer City took a significant step by partnering with the Bessemer City High School art department to create a compelling series of artworks for the city’s annual Juneteenth Festival to enhance the festival and provide culturally inspired artwork.
Pamela Underwood, the dedicated art teacher at Bessemer City High School, led this project, engaging 20 talented students to create thirteen exceptional pieces of artwork for display in the city’s award-winning Centennial Park. The artworks were purposefully designed to highlight and educate the community about the beauty, significance, and symbolism of African art. The students vividly expressed what Juneteenth meant to them, demonstrating a deep respect for African heritage while commemorating this crucial moment of progress.
In addition to the art pieces, the students developed a comprehensive booklet detailing the narratives, motivation, and meanings behind each work, which significantly magnified public understanding of the art. The students conducted thorough research on various African cultures and tribes, drawing insights from one teacher’s personal experiences living within an African culture. Mr. Maxwell Baidoo shared stories about daily life, education, and traditions that provided invaluable context and inspiration for the students' work. This powerful Juneteenth art project utilized a diverse range of mediums, including collage, acrylic, pastels, watercolor, and colored pencils, transforming the area and increasing foot traffic in downtown Bessemer City. By having student commissioned artwork, the city saved $10,000 in commission fees as this would have been the cost if not for these talented volunteers.
Not only did the project foster a strong sense of cultural appreciation and community pride, but it also aligned perfectly with downtown Bessemer City’s vision for a vibrant, inclusive environment that supports economic and cultural development.