Art transcends language barriers and promotes critical thinking. Art unites communities and encourages people to view the world from multiple perspectives. Art often imitates life; just watch the 2006 satirical film, Idiocracy.
History is equally important. It serves as the “collective memory” of humanity. It explains how today’s world came to be, it builds critical thinking, and it provides the only extensive evidence we have for understanding societal behavior, so we can make better decisions.
Both art and history foster empathy, strengthen our connection to our roots, and encourage civic engagement.
A Mission Fulfilled
If you don’t already know, on the top floor of our Flag and Banner building (Taborian Hall) is home to the historic Dreamland Ballroom. In 2009, I founded the Friends of Dreamland Ballroom to help preserve this very cool space. This is their mission statement:
“Friends of Dreamland celebrates the community of historic West Ninth Street, shares the legacy of Dreamland Ballroom, and preserves the original intent of Taborian Hall.”
This week, we met our mission goals in a big way.
Art and History merged in Dreamland as we hosted the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The art of music and the legacy of some great Arkansans who helped shape our state’s rich musical history were celebrated and honored.
Entertainment for the evening was appropriately provided by the Swing Band Reunion who brought the ballroom to life. The final inductee, Mr. Ross delivered a moving and insightful speech, a fitting epilogue to the evening. His remarks were so inspiring and informative that I asked him for a copy. In his oration he gave a shout out to the late Art Porter and acknowledged his wife, Mrs. Porter, who was in attendance. For that evening and I hope many evenings to come, communities were united, generations connected, and memories remembered and collected to be recounted later.
About the Author
Kerry McCoy founded FlagandBanner.com in 1975 with just $400 and a dream, building it from door-to-door flag sales into a multi-million dollar enterprise. With over five decades in the American flag and banner business, her insights into patriotic trends and flag sales patterns come from serving customers nationwide during times of celebration, crisis, and everything in between.
Kerry is also the host of “Up in Your Business with Kerry McCoy” radio show and continues expanding her business empire through Kerry McCoy Enterprises while sharing the entrepreneurial wisdom gained from decades of building the American dream.
