The College's Black Women's Affinity Group celebrates art gallery opening

It was a packed house for the opening of Madison College’s Black Women’s Affinity Group (BWAG) 2^nd Annual Dzigbodi Akyea Art Exhibit.

BWAG's president Chevon Bowen says this year's theme of 'Protecting the Black Woman' was intentional, and it serves as invitation for guests to examine their own experiences and the role they play when it comes to protecting the Black woman. 

“We have a full gallery of beautiful, varied pieces of art celebrating our theme, and we're so honored and humbled by this experience," Bowen says. "We cannot wait to share this vision with everyone.”

College leadership, community members, family, friends and members of BWAG gathered to celebrate and honor the exhibit's opening. 

"This exhibit means many things to us," said Morgan Jaimes, vice-chair of BWAG. "It is a tribute to a dear friend who we lost suddenly, it is a testament to the beauty, resilience, strength and sometimes tears of Black women, and it is a labor of love."

The mission of BWAG is to create safe spaces for Black women at the college to build community and support each other. Jaimes told the crowd, "We've been fortunate here at Madison College to build our BWAG community and many of these women are my closest friends; that is beautiful."

The exhibit will remain open through Black History Month from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Madison College's Gallery at Truax.

Chevon Bowen sat down with The Capital Times to share why BWAG was created and how this group offers her and other Black women working at Madison College a space for growth, support and community. 

Read the Wisconsin State Journal article to learn more about the exhibit's theme and work of local artist Desere Mayo. Madison365 gives an in-depth perspective from BWAG President Chevon Bowen. You can also view stories highlight the gallery with WKOW and WISC Channel 3000.