About Us
The Black Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) is dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich heritage of Black arts and culture in Chicago. Our mission is to elevate the visibility of Black artists, creators, and cultural contributors, while providing a platform for the community to engage with and celebrate the diversity of Black artistic expression. Through advocacy, collaboration, and education, we strive to create a vibrant and inclusive space where Black arts thrive and inspire.
Our History
BACA'S MISSION
The mission of Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago is to collectively advance excellence in the work of the Black arts and culture sector.
HISTORY
In 1977, the Black Theatre Alliance was founded by Abena Joan Brown, Okoro Harold Johnson, Useni Perkins, and Pemon Rami, which focused on providing resources, community support, and visibility for the Black Theater in Chicago. In 1990, the Black Theatre Alliance changed its name to the African American Arts Alliance to expand its reach in the arts community; however, it ceased operations shortly after that.
Seeing a gap and a great need for community interaction and development, Jackie Taylor, Joan Gray, Chuck Smith, and Ron O.J. Parsons came together and, in 1997, incorporated a new African American Arts Alliance to continue the work of the original Alliance to serve the needs of Black performing, visual, literary, technical and design art forms. Since then, these incredible leaders and artists cultivated and supported Black artists and organizations by providing programs and services to increase the interaction, collaboration, and communication within the Black Arts Community. The vision that these leaders saw is why we are here today. In the same way that they were the voice of the time for our community, the board of directors was ready to pass on the torch of leadership to continue the legacy of the Alliance for the next generation.
In 2023, the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago rebranded as the Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago, reflecting our continued commitment to celebrating and advancing the Black arts community. With this exciting new chapter, the Board elected Charlique C. Rolle as President and Vershawn Sanders-Ward as Vice President. In 2024, Vershawn Sanders-Ward was elected President, ushering in a new era of leadership for the Alliance. On December 1, 2024, Jackie Taylor resumed the role of Board President.