Through art and education, the Through Sleet’s Eyes Festival will honor the life and legacy of Moneta Sleet, Jr. An Owensboro native, Sleet was the first black American to win the Pulitzer Prize in journalism. The intent of the committee was to craft a meaningful experience for the community and beyond; one that inspires hope and ambition via a meaningful artistic experience.
“Sleet’s story needs to be told. His place in American history is profound and his story starts right here in Owensboro.” – Emmy Woosley, Festival Chair
The 2021 Leadership Owensboro class desired to give a gift to their community. Originally, the concept was to commission a bronze sculpture of Moneta Sleet, Jr to be placed in prominent public space. Pivoting to a portrait by K.O. Lewis, a local artist and educator, the portrait was unveiled in November 2021. The portrait is currently rotating through the community, accompanied by educational material explaining its significance. Having already been viewed by thousands of people in Daviess County, the portrait will go it its forever home which will be announced at the festival.
The portrait unveiling was a catalyst that compelled an array of interested local entities to come together to amplify Sleet’s story on a much larger scale. After a few meetings, Through Sleet’s Eyes Festival was created.
This February’s festival will feature an exhibit of Sleet’s most prolific photographs, a documentary about Sleet’s life through the lens of his hometown, an original play showcasing Sleet’s legacy in the modern age, community engagement talks, musical performances, and more. Exhibits and other key events will be at the RiverPark Center and are free to the public.
“It was important to the festival committee to ensure access for everyone, and through generous community sponsors and grants we are able to make the festival free.” – Emmy Woosley, Festival Chair
The festival is also proud to unveil an official logo for the two-day event. The logo was designed by Larmarrous Shirley, a graphic designer at The King Center in Atlanta, GA, and Kentucky State University alumni. As someone who was already familiar with Sleet’s work and as a fellow Kentucky State alum, Shirley felt deeply connected to this project and reached out to the festival to offer his talents.
“It is remarkable to have someone like Mr. Shirley aid our project, it shows the reach of Moneta Sleet Jr.’s Legacy.” – Emmy Woosley, Festival Chair
Festival Key Events:
Moneta Sleet, Jr. A Witness to History (Print Show)
(Friday 2/24 and Saturday 2/25) – Curated walkthrough of the exhibit on Saturday at 3:00 pm, exhibit opens for public viewing Friday at 6:00pm and Saturday at noon.
The photography of Moneta Sleet, Jr. extends far beyond simply taking photographs. As his friend and colleague Gordon Parks wrote, “Photographers come and go. The works of the good ones stay on and on, ripening with the years. The cameras of some tell us that all is well. While others shout that everything’s bad. Moneta, having lived through all the shadows of everydayness, embraced all conditions, mixed them generously with compassion, and presented them to our curious eyes. He spoke for those who died for worthy causes, those born yesterday, and those who will be born tomorrow.”
Sleet’s photography spanned the early days of the Civil Rights Movement through the tumultuous decades that followed, where he was a witness to the tragedy, grandeur, and triumphs of society and the world for nearly 50 years.
It is hoped viewers of Sleet’s photographs will appreciate the power and impact of his work. From Owensboro to Selma, from Harlem to Johannesburg, and from Atlanta to Washington, as Lerone Bennett Jr. his friends said, you will witness the miracle of Moneta. The exhibit was curated by former Messenger Inquirer publisher and photographer Bob Morris with insight from Moneta Sleet’s son, Gregory Sleet.
Photographs in the exhibit are sourced from the Johnson Publishing Company Archive. Courtesy Ford Foundation, J. Paul Getty Trust, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and Smithsonian Institution.
The exhibit is designed to be seen and enjoyed for years to come. For those born yesterday, and those who will be born tomorrow, Moneta Sleet, Jr. was there.
“It was a challenge to distill 40 years of his work into a meaningful exhibit the goal was to capture the essence of this man from Owensboro and Sleet’s images represent some of the most important of the 20th century” – Bob Morris, retired Messenger Inquirer Editor, Photographer
A Fine Remembrance (Documentary)
(Saturday 2/25) – Cannon Hall mainstage programming begins Saturday 7:00pm.
Photographers spend much of their time behind the camera and thus their story is often not as well-known as their subjects. Moneta Sleet Jr. is no different. Interviews collected in multiple states tell Sleet’s story through a more personal lens, conveying the story of Sleet as a student, coworker, friend, and father.
It is hoped upon watching the documentary people will feel inspired by Sleet’s story. His photographic range includes historic events, celebrities, and even fashion. The documentary includes commentary from Sleet’s colleagues, and illuminates his as a mentor who was influential to other successful photographers. Sleet’s relentless pursuit of his art made him exceptional.
“I am humbled to create this documentary and I am excited for the Sleet family. More artists, journalist, photographers… everyone should know his story. Hopefully this festival will inspire people of all ages to find their passion and lead lives just like Sleet.” Drew Hardesty, Wonder Boy Media
The Power of the Lens (The Play)
(Friday 2/24/23, school audiences Saturday 2/25/23, public) – Cannon Hall mainstage programing begins Saturday 7:00pm.
Power of the Lens is a one man play written and performed by Jeremy Gillett, and inspired by the life of Moneta Sleet Jr. Using the book “Special Moments in African American History: The Photographs of Moneta Sleet, Jr.” Gillett aims to showcase Sleet’s legacy in contemporary times.
“The photos taken by Moneta Sleet Jr are seen around the world and these images have left a lasting impression on the lives of many people. I want people to understand the story of Moneta Sleet Jr and recognize the face of the person responsible for exceptional work as a photojournalist.” – Jeremy Gillett, Playwright and Actor
Together, Gillett and Rich Jorn, RiverPark Center Executive Director, have worked together to bring to the stage a moving piece encapsulating the life of Moneta Sleet, Jr. The play has three movements. In movement one, Walter (a teacher at an art camp) foreshadows the experience for the audience. It is an educational journey to help the audience understand the significance of the Pulitzer Prize and what it takes to earn the award. The second movement discusses Jim Crow and its impact on the Black community. This portion also includes important milestones in the life of Moneta Sleet Jr. The play connects Moneta Sleet Jr.’s experiences with Jim Crow and his work as a photographer during the Civil Rights movement. Finally, Walter introduces us to students that are studying Moneta Sleet Jr.’s work, which has inspired them to create their own art. There are several musical transitions, which are meant to capture the spirit, culture, power, and emotion of each movement.
“We are so very excited to produce a play that not only explores the remarkable career of Owensboro’s very own Moneta Sleet Jr., But also the incredible influence his work still has on today’s society. His life’s work certainly made the world a better place and being able to share that story with our community is a huge responsibility and very much a blessing and an honor.” – Rich Jorn, Executive Director RiverPark Center
An Evening with Ozier Muhammad
(Friday 2/24/23) – Berry Theatre Friday 6:30pm.
Thanks to the generosity of Southern Star, attendees also have the opportunity to participate in a open conversation with Ozier Muhammed. Muhammed began his photojournalism career with Ebony magazine in the early 1970s. In 1985 he shared the Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting with Josh Friedman and Dennis Bell, for a series of reports titled “Africa, The Desperate Continent,” for Newsday. For that report, he also won the Polk award in News Photography. More recently, Muhammad was one of the photographers for President Obama’s 2008 campaign. A question-and-answer session will follow Muhammad’s lecture and photography display.
“Hearing Mr. Muhammad speak about his friendship with Sleet and hearing his own story is truly inspiring, we are lucky to have him coming to our community.” – Emmy Woosley, Festival Chair
