Madison College celebrated the opening of the fourth annual Dzigbodi Akyea art exhibit on Feb. 6 with an event hosted by the SOUL Affinity Group and the Division of College Culture and Climate. The theme of the exhibit is “SOULful Joy,” which follows the previous three themes of “Honoring the Black Woman,” “Protecting the Black Woman” and “Restoring the Black Woman.”
The show is in honor of Dzigbodi Akyea, an advisor at Madison College for 17 years. She was a founding member of the Black Women Affinity Group, now known as SOUL: Sisters of Unity and Leadership. A gallery show that celebrates Black artists during Black History Month was a goal of Akyea.

The exhibit has an energy to it – one that uplifts the spirit. Themes range from femininity, divinity, solidarity and unconditional love. Some of the art brings to light the small, overlooked moments of daily life that bring joy and connect community. Some of the art is monumental, portraying resistance, legacy and self love in the face of adversity. 

The gallery reception started off with a community meal and time to socialize. The hostess, Dr. Michele Turner, began the program by commenting on the exhibit’s creativity, culture and joy. During her welcoming speech Dr. Michele Turner says, “Joy is not a luxury, it is a necessity.”
After the singing of the Black National Anthem, Turner read Madison College community reflections in honor of Dzigbodi Akyea. Interim President Dr. Tim Casper welcomed and thanked everyone that worked to put on the event. Dr. Damira Grady-Saffold, Vice President of College Culture and Climate, remarked on the significance of this event. Grady-Saffold said, “What I love about joy is that it is at the intersection of social justice and art.”
The poem SOULful Joy, written by Turner, was performed by Checon Bowen. The poem is energizing, the first stanza being, “SOULful Joy is a light that never fades, // Born of strength through trials braved. // A heritage woven of threads so tight, // In shadows, it gleams a guiding light– // SOULful Joy.”
To Turner, joy looks like intentionally choosing to focus on the positive even if surrounded by bad news.
The show is open from Feb. 2nd to Feb. 28 at Truax. This annual exhibit is a gift to the campus and a deep reservoir of joy.