New Generation Scholars Intergenerational Institute - NGSII

What’s up y’all, I am Jamal Childs Jr., and you’re locked in with Muse360 😎

My artwork is driven by my love for nature, folklore, history, and storytelling. I communicate this passion with poetry, visual art, apparel designs, and voice work. Lately, I have been focused on honing my audio and video production skills. As a self-taught artist, it is great to be in a community with so many talented people. Over the past 3 months, I have grown in ways I never would have imagined. My development has helped to refine my talents, as well as my mind. I am honored to be a fellow and to have the opportunity to share my projects and passions with you all.

Fashion history has been the focus of my artwork since I began studying printmaking at PAFA (The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts). Through a deep dive into my own family history, including my ancestors: my uncle Lionel Craig Brock a fine artist (pictured 2nd, 3rd slide) and my cousin, Odell Brock Jr., the owner of the famous “Odell’s”- a nightclub on North Ave (pictured on 5th slide next to his wife, Jacquline Brock).

Through the fellowship, I had the opportunity to visit the AFRO archives at the Maryland State archives, seeing my great grandmother Elizabeth Brock (left on 2nd slide) holding my uncle Lionel Brock. I have been tremendously grateful with the resources provided to explore my lineage and learn a better understanding of fashion history throughout the 70s-80s in Baltimore.

Alaina here, I wanted to talk about my experience in the New Generation Scholars Young Archival Fellowship so far! I have found myself more curious about this fellowship. Through the use of the archive, I have found sources to integrate into my work and to translate my interest in writing and research into my project. I want to extend gratitude to my mentor for all of her helpful insight, advice, friendship, and belief in my ideas. It’s so amazing being surrounded by people who believe in and nurture your growth. The things I have learned through New Generations Scholars from the archive to the workshops and friendships I have built here have helped me become a more thorough artist. I cannot wait to see how I grow through this process!