Support Black Queer artists in our community at the annual Black Friday Ball, hosted by Qu’art. A marketplace will be available at the museum in the afternoon, while the evening hours are devoted to a panel discussion, performances, and a ball.
Free HIV testing, Monkeypox vaccinations, and Covid boosters provided by Vivent Health.
Schedule
4:00 pm – Marketplace opens
Shop for the perfect holiday gift among specialty items created by Black Queer artists and makers, including Tiélere Cheatem, Kyla Hawkins, Ino, nigerdermonee, Ng0zitheflower, and Ori Tala.
5:00 pm – Panel Discussion
Miyonee Hickman is the Community Outreach Lead for the Mo Ho Justice Coalition and a Black trans women fighting for trans inclusivity and equality, sex worker liberation, and freedom. Miyonee has been doing advocacy and HIV/STI related work for 10 years and community building for 18 years.
Rasheen Aldridge serves the Missouri House of Representatives as State Representative for the 78th District of St. Louis. Having started his political career as an organizer during the Ferguson Protests, Rasheen has been a monumental force in fighting for civil rights in the city of St. Louis.
Yetunde Janski-Ogunfidodo (Tunde) is a visual and performing artist, event producer, anti-oppression facilitator, trainer, consultant, and transformational coach with a focus on dismantling systemic oppression, especially in the worlds of philanthropy and the arts.
6:00 pm – Galleries close
CAM galleries close early to accommodate Black Friday Ball activities.
6:15 pm – Performances
Following the discussion, Black Queer artists of all performance styles will take the stage, with performances by Essence Mizrahi, Jaceon Simpson, Maven Lee, Vanessa Frost, Kenzie Couleé, and Maxi Glamour with Cowboy.
7:00 pm – Ball
This year’s ball competition comes with commentary by iconic figures in the drag and ball scene, including Meko Lee Burr and Vanessa Frost. Cash prizes will be awarded for the following categories: Vogue (Black Panther), Runway (Artistic Couture), Hands (No Glove, No Love), Sex Siren (Leather and Lace), and Realness (Gender Euphoria).
Questions? Email quartstl@gmail.com and programs@camstl.org
