Local artists, David Dixon and Khuumba Ama, curate Roots, Black History and Heritage at Blue Door Art Center. Photo by M. Trommer
By David Dixon
Blue Door Art Center kicks off Black History Month with Roots Black History and Heritage, which runs February 7 – March 7, 2026. Local artists from Yonkers and surrounding areas draw upon their “Roots” as inspiration. Upon entering Roots, one is immediately greeted by a large portrait of a joyful Senegalese woman in striking native garb welcoming you. To your left see Winnie Mandela and of the African American fight for freedom in collages. Across the gallery, are bold African textile reliefs bordered by smaller mysterious paintings that draw the viewer in to contemplate their message.
Then you’re invited to a wedding! The a life size bride and groom stand in the center of the room dressed to the nines in royal gold and purple African fashions, as they are serenaded by a soulful diva in blue. Invited guests include a trio of strikingly beautiful portraits. Across the room again is a fanciful tea party reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and a tribute to African Colombians.
Be sure to seek out the many small treasures displayed throughout the exhibit, like the photo of the iconic red stage door of the Apollo Theater through which many of America’s entertainment greats have passed. Also take a moment to consider the assemblages representing the shacks of the deep south from which so many African Americans ascended.
Strolling through this exhibit one is struck by the wide diversity of art that works together to present a cohesive, compelling story of the African diaspora. The exhibition curated by Khuumba Ama and David K. Dixon opens February 7 with a reception from 1 to 6 pm and runs through March 7, 2026, at the Blue Door Art Center, 13 Riverdale Ave, Yonkers NY. Gallery Hours are Thursdays and Fridays 3 – 6pm, and Saturdays, 1 – 6pm. Admission is free.
