Ambassador of Cultural Economic Development and Tourism

Randolph's Dream Community Development Corporation, 
National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, 
MUSEUM 44

What is the mission of your organization? The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum is a 501(c) 3 cultural institution. Our mission is to promote, honor and celebrate the legacy of A. Philip Randolph and contributions made by African Americans to America’s labor movement; with a significant focus on the African American railroad employee. At our facility this celebration begins with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, as we educate the public about their historic legacy and contributions. The museum exists for the purpose of providing educational and cultural enrichment for all of mankind. All activities, past, present and future, are for the purposes and objectives that are inextricably intertwined — the study, preservation, interpretation, and enjoyment of African American history and culture. The permanent collection displays exhibits which are pertinent to the study of American labor history with a specific focus on the African American contribution to America’s labor history and includes but is not limited to: the Pullman Company, as it relates to African American railroad employee labor history, A. Philip Randolph, the Pullman Porters, the Great Migration, and the American Civil Rights Movement.

Rahmaan Statik Barnes

Grew up on the South Side of Chicago, surrounded by urban art and public murals . Classically trained at the American Academy of Art. He is co-founder of R.K Design, a graphic art and mural collective.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Doctors save lives, police fight crime, and the artist dictates what we know as Image, Icon, and Form.  I live a life-style of observation and creation. I believe that being well informed on the subject of your work and having an organized strategy produces a more intriguing work of art.  I believe man has the right to choose his reality.  In my reality I have chosen my own destiny; time and fate have confirmed that producing art is my positive contribution to society.  The work I produce both symbolizes and creates optimism for life in our industrial society.  It also challenges the over-saturation of mindless sexual and violent images in pop cultural. I put forth a passionate effort to produce art that has a spiritual, political and urban aesthetic.

I am currently creating art in cities across the world, creating art work for museums and gallery exhibitions.