In Conversation with…
Laurie Cumbo
Founder and Executive Director, Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA)

Progress Express: You were honored by the Chamber for your vision, work and contributions to your community. What do you see as your organization’s biggest achievement/ advancements?
Laurie Cumbo: MoCADA’s most important contribution to the community is that it inspires everyday people to feel inspired to either make a change or feel empowered to change the way they see their community.  As the executive director of MoCADA, I feel that by living and working in the community that I was raised in, I have the power and potential to inspire others to start a business, create a museum, begin an afterschool center or to speak out against injustices that they see in their community.

PE: What do you think is your community’s highest priority right now?
LC: I believe that equality is the common challenge that communities of color are currently facing. The distribution of tax paying dollars on the Federal, State, City and local levels continue to be systemically unequally distributed to communities of color. This has had a major impact on these communities as it relates to the effectiveness of schools, museums, libraries, hospitals, local businesses, etc. Currently, there is much discussion around the budget crisis. In actuality, there is no budget crisis. The challenge throughout this country has been the unequal distribution of resources. If we recognized that there was enough for everyone and that no few individuals were entitled to an abundance of our resources, the pressure of the budget crisis would be relieved. America was founded on a system of slavery that created an abundance of wealth for white America. Now that those formal slavery days are over, white America can no longer expect to continue to grow, expand and develop as if slavery or segregation were still in existence because now black America and every other racial group is demanding their fair share. An entire reassessment of expectations and needs is required for the sake and vitality of our country by everyone, but no one wants to talk about that and so the situation continues.

PE: What is the biggest challenge your organization is currently facing?
LC: Again, inequality is the largest challenge that our institution and many others are facing. With one of the largest black communities in America coupled with some of the largest social challenges in the country, it remains an enigma to me that while massive amounts of development and eminent domain are going on in Brooklyn with tax payer dollars that there are little resources available for an arts institution like MoCADA or local businesses to revitalize the borough of Brooklyn economically, socially and aesthetically on a massive scale. 

PE: Has the current economy presented you with challenges, opportunities or both; and what are they?
LC: The current economy is very confusing. Everyday, new emails and headlines announce new major development and expansion juxtaposed with cautionary signs to pull back and expect less.

PE: How, if at all, do you think the proposed State budget will affect your organization?
LC: The new State budget has impacted MoCADA in a positive way. We had no idea that a change in democratic majority would benefit our organization and community in such a powerful way. However, I wondered why there was such a difference in the first place. Sure, I am glad that MoCADA is receiving more support, however, why is there such a financial imbalance based on who holds the majority of power or who the speaker is at that particular time? The distribution of wealth should not be based on these factors. It should be based on need. 

PE: How are you preparing?
LC: In order to maintain in a volatile economy, it is imperative to make sure that your funding sources are extremely diversified and that new partnerships are explored and created to expand audiences and to decrease expenses. The creation and the development of new partnerships has been a beneficial side effect of the volatile community that should continue.

PE: Achieving the success you have does not happen over a short period of time. What has helped you endure and focus over the years?
LC: As Sammy Davis Jr., once said, “If you want to be successful you have to work harder than everyone else.” I believe that. More importantly, the history, perseverance and dedication of so many people of African descent that came before me continues to inspire me to persevere until my goal of creating a state-of-the-art world class institution is realized. People of African descent in Brooklyn have such a rich history that needs to be documented, preserved and celebrated for future generations. When I think about the magnificent paintings of Otto Neals, the writings of Dr. Regent Adelaide Sanford, the photographs of Chester Higgins, Jr. and Roy DeCarava and the charcoal illustrations of Tom Feelings, I feel inspired to continue on this path despite the obstacles placed before me because their work deserves a home to inspire future generations.

PE: What practical advice would you give to other organizations?
LC: It is imperative for organizations to become a part of the community and to become involved in the integral aspects of the community. I find it very interesting to attend community board meetings, town hall meetings, focus groups, holiday parties, conferences, caucuses, PTA meetings, safety hearings, etc. Once you become a part of the community you will care about the community and what happens to it. Also, the community will know who you are and what you have to offer them.

PE: What advice would you give to Brooklynites?
LC: Brooklynites have to stand strong and firm about issues of equality no matter what side of that fence you fall on. Bob Marley said it best when he sang, “When it rains it doesn’t rain on one man’s house.” This inequality is inevitably going to affect everyone in one way or another and have a damaging impact on us all.