My project entails the research and project planning for introducing Black Poet and Artist Norman Henry Pritchard 2nd’s (NHP2) artwork to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as part of a 2025 Black History Month art exhibit and workshop.

NHP2’s life and art serve as a powerful narrative of the Black experience, making it a significant addition to celebrating Black History Month. The event will include my abstract and mixed-media paintings inspired by this learning and NHP2’s unique art style.

As a British-born Jamaican-Canadian abstract, mixed-media artist and passionate Jamaican Family Historian, my connection to NHP2 is deeply personal. The revelation that he was my second cousin when his nephew reached out to me through an online family history research site has added a profound meaning to my artistic journey.

NHP2’s story, notably how we connected, demonstrates the importance of Black Memory projects and keeping our family stories alive. NHP2’s bio is on Wikipedia and explains that he produced visual poetry in the 1960s and 70s as part of a Black Art Collective in the United States called the Umbra Poets. His books of poetry, The Matrix and Eecchhooeess, were experimental avant-garde works. However, unlike other Umbra members, they did not generate significant success for him until the 2000s, many years after he died.

NHP2’s work was brought out of obscurity when scanned and uploaded to an online archive used by academics. From then on, his work was referenced in articles and featured in books by other poets such as Anthony Reed and Terrance Hayes, including Toronto-based poet Marlene Nourbese Philip. In 2022, NHP2’s visual poetry, including unique pieces of abstract artwork, was featured in the 2022 Whitney Biennial, “Quiet as It’s Kept.”

NHP2’s art is not just a collection of visual poetry but a powerful source of inspiration for emerging artists, including myself. His work has significantly shaped my artistic journey, profoundly influencing my style and expression. My recent work, which delves into the discussion of migrants and migration, was featured in my solo art exhibition, Seekers and Imprints, held August 15 – September 14, 2024, at the BAND Gallery in Toronto.

Why this project, and why now? “An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.” (Langston Hughes, June 23, 1926). I have decided that I will choose to create and plan art and events that inspire and contribute to much-needed connection, compassion and resilience within the broader community.

My connection to NHP2 is also Cancer. Our Pritchard family has a long history of Cancer, particularly colon cancer. After only an eight-week diagnosis, my late brother (the youngest of my siblings) died days before his 41st birthday. My mother died of the same thing one year later. Through my connection with Pritchard family members and my family history research, I discovered there had been many more who have died of this disease.

As such, a particular aspect of my project entails reaching out to the Canadian Black Scientists Network to explore how this event and future events can directly contribute to Black Canadian Scientists working to diversify the cancer research landscape and contribute to the fight against this devastating disease. I aim to create cancer research opportunities from which my family members and the broader Black diaspora can benefit.

My project will be conducted in three phases: Research, Project Planning, Artwork Production, and Presentation. The funding raised through GoFundMe and grant funding will be used from November 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, to support the following activities:

• Researching NHP2 Artwork archives;

• Interviewing (online and face-to-face) of NHP2’s family members, living colleagues, exhibitors, and admires;

• Meeting with the Canadian Black Scientists Network to communicate the event and details;

• My Artwork Production and Post Production;

• Mentorship from a Toronto Based Archivist/Educator, Art Curator, and Exhibitor;

• Recruitment of a Toronto Based Artist for help with the project; and

• Collaboration with a Toronto Visual / Audio Installation Specialist.

Thank you for your support and generous contribution. You are helping me keep a vital promise and dream alive!