WE (are still here) Using Art to Amend History and Enrich the Present

Overview: WE (working title) are bringing attention to and reestablish awareness of the historical presence of African American and Indigenous cultures in Magnolia Terrace and other neighborhoods of Huntsville, AL. Magnolia Terrace, one of the oldest established Black communities in Huntsville, will utilize the Drake House as a Community Art/History Space.

Historical Significance:

• The Drake House, once owned by Joseph Fanning Drake (4th president of Alabama A&M University) and lived in by his son Dr. Harold F. Drake (the first African American physician on staff at Huntsville Hospital), will serve as the base.
• This property, located on .73 acres, is the last Black-owned Victorian structure adjacent to downtown.

Goals and Activities:

• Restore the Drake House to revive community pride and engagement.
• Turn the Drake House property into a creative hub providing representation, hosting workshops, art exhibits, and community planning.
• Use the space to showcase the history of the community through contemporary art.
• Address gentrification by educating residents and the city about the community’s significant contributions and the importance of KEEPING YOUR PRPERTY
• Ensure the present community and the city at large recognize the neighborhood’s value and BIPOC contributions
• Establish the Drake House as a unifying space reflecting the community’s historical and creative significance.
• Provide a safe space for BIPOC residents amidst ongoing urban development.

Key Objectives:

• Raise awareness about the initiative’s purpose of using art and history for empowerment and development.
• Create a central creative beacon representing the neighborhood’s past and future potential.
• Form a diverse group of creatives to promote fair community development.
• Offer creative outlets addressing the needs of this historically underdeveloped area.

Project Impact:

• Challenge perceptions of creativity and progress in “marginalized” neighborhoods.
• Highlight the community’s wealth through creative expression and civic engagement.

Outcomes:

• Produce original works of art, classes, workshops, books, and pamphlets.
• Create and maintain grounds and gardens
• Create a vibrant, engaged community space.
• Establish sustainable civic support for ongoing projects and future engagement.
• The WE Zine published bi-annually

This project seeks to restore, revive, and reestablish a sense of community  and civic pride, highlighting the rich history and creative potential of Magnolia Terrace and surrounding Huntsville, Madison County residents.