Dear Community,
This is Dany Rose, a co-founder of the nonprofit ceramic studio ArtShack in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. I recently displayed some homemade Halloween paper dolls in the window of my home. The images were based on the horror movie Annabelle, but because they were made of brown kraft paper and hanging from nooses, they were deeply racially offensive. No one should have had to point out this obvious fact to me, and I immediately removed the figures when I was c...ontacted by a parent from P.S.11, across the street from my home. I understand that ignorance is no excuse and apologies are not enough, but nonetheless I want to apologize sincerely to my neighbors and community.
I would like to clarify that the figures were displayed in my home and not in ArtShack’s windows. ArtShack is a nonprofit organization that provides free and subsidized classes to children, adults, seniors, people with disabilities, and local schools. Please do not punish this wonderful organization because of my personal failings.
Right now I am exploring ways in which I can make amends that will be both meaningful and acceptable to the community. I have already met with local leaders, including P.S. 11 teachers and administrators, and I hope to meet with other local leaders to identify the best way forward to promote racial justice and to use my example of white privilege as a teaching moment.
You may not believe that I have an open mind, but please believe that I have an open heart and open ears and I will listen to your voices to make things right.
Sincerely,
Dany Rose