Anacostia Community Museum Launches “Inspiration/Action Tuesdays”

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum premieres Inspiration/Action Tuesdays starting July 7 as a part of the museum’s ongoing online initiatives. Inspiration/Action Tuesdays is a new weekly series of virtual programs designed to educate and inspire participants to calls of action to become civically engaged. The events are designed to harness the collective power of community and its ability to care for and comfort each other in these uncertain times. Every Tuesday, experts will briefly present on four related topics based on one monthly theme—July’s theme is “Inequality.”

The program is an expansion of Take Time Thursdays, an ongoing online weekly event that gives participants a chance to take time for wellness, health and creativity with artists, thought leaders, performers and issues advocates. Persons interested in these weekly 30-minute webinars should register in advance by visiting https://www.anacostia.si.edu/events. All virtual events begin at 2:30 p.m. and are free of cost. Sign language interpretation or live captioning is available upon request, and needs to be made two weeks in advance.

Dr. LaPrincess Brewer from the Mayo Clinic will talk about an outreach project within the faith community of Rochester, Minnesota, which focused on heart-health education. 

Paige Pokorney will talk about food access and insecurity through her organization, DC Hunger Solutions, which is located in Washington, D.C. communities. 

Associate professor of American Studies and U.S. Latina/a Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, Perla M. Guerrero, will speak about how the pandemic is affecting Latinx communities. 

Speaker TBA. Visit website for details.

Washington, D.C., artist Miss Chelove will talk about the healing power of art and how she gains her inspiration during these current uncertain times. She will also discuss her murals, which can be seen in numerous Washington neighborhoods. 

Participants can learn how essential oils from plants and flowers are used to create scents that can evoke both emotional and spiritual healing properties upon the mind, spirit, body and soul.  

Owner of The Crystal Garden in Palm Beaches, Florida, Margaret Ann Lembo will talk about the basics of quartz crystals and the various families of gemstones such as tourmaline, calcite, fluorite and agate. Participants will learn how to work with crystals and gems and how the power of matching affirmations can increase self-confidence, joy, and happiness. 

Anne Fishel will discuss the importance of family dinners in providing connection, enjoyment, and stability, especially during the current COVID-19 health crisis.

Established in 1967, the Anacostia Community Museum examines the impact of contemporary social issues on urban communities. For general information, call (202) 633-4820; for public program information, call (202) 633-4844 or visit http://anacostia.si.edu.