IPAMA Statement of Welcome - JWD

Statement of Welcome from IPAMA Board Chair John W. Daniels, Jr.

On behalf of the IPAMA Board of Directors, Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God in Christ, and the Daniels family, welcome to the Institute for the Preservation of African American Music and Arts - IPAMA!

We are extremely proud to be here, and I am incredibly thrilled to represent the IPAMA Board as its chair. This extraordinary exhibit, honoring the legacy of Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, is the brainchild and creation of an exceptionally talented young visionary, Ryan Gray, who was raised right here on the Holy Redeemer campus. Ryan has brilliantly captured the essence of Bishop’s belief in the limitless possibilities of our city and community when we unleash ability and tear down obstacles to access and freedom.

The transformation of this building into a national repository for artifacts celebrating African American art and culture is a testament to what we envisioned. Stories told here about America’s multi-talented Black artists, musicians, and performers are rich and plentiful, underscoring the critical importance of preserving and safeguarding our history.

Internationally recognized fine artist Charly “Carlos” Palmer, whose riveting image greets you as you enter through IPAMA’s doors, has lent his talents to encapsulate the spirit of our mission. Charly’s accomplishments, including being commissioned for the 1996 and 1998 Olympic posters, illustrating John Legend’s Grammy Award-winning Bigger Love album, and designing the cover of the acclaimed Time Magazine “America Must Change” issue, resonate with our goals of inspiration and change.

Today, as you explore IPAMA’s vast array of artifacts, artworks, and music, you embark on a journey through history and culture. This is just the opening chapter in the story that Bishop Daniels has inspired, a narrative of touching lives in a special, personal, Godly way.

In Charly Palmer’s words, “Art should change the temperature in a room... I'm an extremist when it comes to the love of Black people.” As we open IPAMA’s doors, let’s carry forward this love and dedication to preserving the legacy of African American culture and achievements.

Welcome to IPAMA, and may your visit inspire you as much as the lives and works of those we celebrate have inspired us.

02/14/2024

WJY

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