Hassan Najjar Appointed Executive Director of the Biggs Museum of American Art

The content of this post comes from a press release from the Biggs Museum of Art...

The Biggs Museum of American Art is proud to announce the appointment of Hassan Najjar as its new Executive Director. With a distinguished career in the arts and museum management, Najjar's leadership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Biggs.

Hassan Najjar, Executive Director of the Biggs Museum.
Photo provided by the Biggs Museum. 

Najjar joins the Biggs from the Foothills Art Center in Golden, Colorado, where he served as Executive Director. His tenure at Foothills was marked by transformative initiatives that enhanced the Center's community engagement, expanded its programs, and significantly increased its funding base. Under Najjar's leadership, Foothills Art Center became a beacon of arts and culture in the region, with notable achievements in community-building efforts, responsive programming, and using arts as driver of economic development.  

"We are thrilled to welcome Hassan Najjar to the Biggs," said Wilma Mishoe, President of the Biggs Museum Board of Trustees. "Hassan's vision, experience, and commitment to the arts are exactly what we need to propel the Biggs into a new era. His proven track record of success, particularly at the Foothills Art Center, demonstrates his ability to lead an institution to new heights, and we are confident that his leadership will bring fresh energy and innovation to our museum."

Hassan Najjar's appointment was the culmination of a competitive nationwide search led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG), engaged by the Biggs Museum Board to recruit the next Executive Director of the Museum. Najjar's deep experience in museum management and museum education, board governance, and financial management, combined with his passion for creating inclusive, equitable, and diverse communities, set him apart as the ideal candidate for the role.

In his role as Executive Director of the Foothills Arts Center, Najjar worked in a public/private partnership to rehabilitate historic landmarks and double the size of the facility, demonstrating that he is well-equipped to lead the Biggs through its expansion, which will connect historic buildings on its campus gifted to the Museum from the State of Delaware.

Jorge Zamanillo, President of the American Alliance of Museums, also expressed his enthusiasm for Najjar's new position. "Hassan Najjar is a respected leader in the museum community, and his appointment as Executive Director of the Biggs Museum is a significant win for both the museum and the broader arts community. His innovative approach and dedication to advancing the arts will undoubtedly benefit the Biggs and its audiences. We look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership in Dover."

Najjar's career in the arts spans several prestigious roles, including Executive Director of the Museum Center at 5ive Points in Cleveland, TN, and Assistant Curator of Education at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, TN. His expertise in curating engaging educational programs, managing diverse teams, and securing significant financial support will be invaluable as he leads the Biggs into its next phase.

"I am deeply honored to join the Biggs Museum of American Art as its next Executive Director," said Najjar. "The Biggs is a remarkable institution with a rich history and an exciting future. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and community to build on the museum's successes and to explore new opportunities for growth and innovation."

Najjar's appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Biggs Museum, as it continues to enhance its role as a cultural leader in Delaware and beyond. His leadership promises to bring new perspectives, dynamic programming, and a renewed commitment to serving the diverse communities of Dover and the surrounding region.

ABOUT THE BIGGS MUSEUM OF ART
The Biggs Museum of American Art is a dynamic, accredited, art museum in Dover, Delaware, founded in 1993 by collector Sewell C. Biggs. The Biggs Museum is nationally recognized for its exceptional collections of American decorative arts of Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region, and for its collections of American art from 1700 to today. The Museum engages audiences through a compelling program of collection based and temporary exhibitions plus encourages the development of creativity and an appreciation for art by offering a comprehensive slate of educational programming for all ages. The Biggs Museum of American Art is a private, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization.

Visit www.thebiggsmuseum.org to learn more.

Kuumba Academy Announces New School Leader

The content of this post comes from a press release from Kuumba Academy Charter School...

The Kuumba Academy School Board is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Natakie Chestnut-Lee as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kuumba Academy Charter School, effective August 19, 2024.

Dr. Natakie Chestnut-Lee, new CEO of Kuumba Academy.
Photo provided by Kuumba Academy. 

Following an extensive and highly competitive search process incorporating input from staff and parents, Dr. Chestnut-Lee emerged as the ideal leader to guide the school into a new era of excellence. She brings with her a strategic vision, a deep passion for education, and a steadfast dedication to advancing the success of the professional team and student body.

Chestnut-Lee is a third-generation educator and proud HBCU graduate who combines analytical thinking with creativity, cultural grounding, and transparency. With over 20 years of experience in public, private, and charter school settings across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, she is a consensus-building, solution-oriented academic leader. "I am confident in my ability to lead Kuumba Academy to new heights of academic excellence and operational efficiency," she shared.

Throughout her career, Chestnut-Lee has consistently demonstrated strong leadership in coaching and managing adult outcomes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth among educators and staff. Her previous roles included implementing comprehensive professional development programs that significantly enhanced instructional practices and leadership skills, resulting in improved teacher effectiveness and student outcomes. By pairing experienced educators with new teachers through a mentorship approach, she has increased both retention rates and job satisfaction.

"By creating a collaborative and supportive environment, I empower teachers to take ownership of their professional development, leading to increased innovation in the classroom and improved student performance," Chestnut-Lee said. 

Chestnut-Lee introduced a comprehensive multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) that provided differentiated instruction, and interventions tailored to individual students' needs. This approach led to measurable improvements in academic outcomes, particularly among students with diverse learning needs. 

"Through these efforts, we saw significant gains in standardized test scores, increased graduation rates, and a reduction in the achievement gap between different student groups," said Chestnut-Lee. "My commitment to data-driven strategies and collaborative leadership plays a crucial role in these positive outcomes, demonstrating my ability to drive meaningful improvements in student achievement."

Chestnut-Lee’s extensive credentials include a background in dance arts, special education, adult education, criminal justice, school culture, and educational leadership. She has published several works, including her Walden University dissertation titled 'U.S. Teachers’ Perceptions on School Violence Programs' (2016), and more recently, the 2023 STEM Coloring and Activity Book, Piper and Tabia’s Journey to Egypt (a three-book Multicultural STEM series, 2023), Infusion Coloring Book (2023), and an eleven-journal collection (2023). 

Please join the Kuumba School Board, Sally Maldonado, Chief Operating Officer, and the Kuumba Village in extending a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Dr. Natakie Chestnut-Lee as the new CEO of Kuumba Academy Charter School.

ABOUT KUUMBA ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL
In response to the outcry from Wilmington parents looking for a high-quality public education and increased access to arts education for their children, Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) leaders, parents, and community supporters took action and were granted a Department of Education charter to create Kuumba Academy Charter School (KACS) in 2001. KACS was the first school model in the state that partnered a public charter school with a nonprofit community organization.

CCAC and KACS form a unique nonprofit/public school partnership committed to educational excellence. Through the innovative union of academics, arts, technology, and family engagement, each KACS student’s individual learning style is nurtured — resulting in creative learners who are agents of positive change in the community.

Visit kuumbaacademy.org to learn more about the school and its programs.

Hip Hop Pioneer Flavor Flav to Headline 2nd Annual Hip Hop Summit at Delaware Art Museum

The content of this post comes from a press release courtesy of the Delaware Art Museum...

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Hip Hop community and social justice advocates will gather at the Delaware Art Museum for the 2nd Annual Hip Hop Cultural Summit, presented by AllHipHop, Guerrilla Republik, and the Delaware Art Museum. 

Running from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, this free, family-friendly event offers an opportunity for learning, growth, and community-building while celebrating and uplifting Hip Hop’s deep roots in social justice, change, and civic engagement. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Hip Hop legend Flavor Flav will headline the 2nd Annual Hip Hop Cultural Summit
on Oct. 26. Photo provided by Delaware Art Museum.

Following the success of last year’s event, which drew over 1,000 attendees, this year’s event promises to be even more impactful, and Flavor Flav, co-founder of the legendary group Public Enemy, is confirmed as the headliner. 

Additional speakers include Chuck Creekmur, Co-Founder of AllHipHop, who will facilitate a Q&A with Flavor Flav; Hakim Green, Co-Founder of 24 Hours of Peace, who will share his insights on Hip Hop’s influence on education and activism; Pam Africa, renowned social justice advocate, who will speak on the intersection of Hip Hop and activism; and Dr. Yasser Arafat Payne, respected University of Delaware scholar, who will explore the academic and societal impact of Hip Hop culture.

Delaware Art Museum’s Community Engagement Specialist and Guerrilla Republik co-founder, Iz Balleto says of the Summit: "Our goal is to re-educate people on the true purpose of Hip Hop, as many have forgotten its message and meaning. This event is not just entertainment; it's an opportunity for empowerment and a chance to learn what Hip Hop culture stands for. Hip Hop began with a message of peace and advocacy for community needs through its elements, and it has always belonged to the people."

The Summit also includes Hip Hop with a Purpose, a presentation of three dynamic exhibitions. Visitors can explore a captivating photography exhibition by T. Eric Monroe, highlighting Hip Hop's rich history and cultural influence; a special exhibition from the Victrola Museum celebrating the invention of the record player; and a local artists' showcase delving into the Art of Activism and Social Justice. 

The event will also feature a series of competitive battles, including MC, DJ, graffiti, and breakdancing, judged by nationally recognized and local experts, showcasing the skill and creativity defining Hip Hop as a global cultural phenomenon. 

AllHipHop founder Grouchy Greg Watkins expressed his excitement for the event: "I'm incredibly excited about this year's Summit and the amazing lineup of guests we have in store. From legends like Flavor Flav to thought leaders like Hakim Green, this event will truly showcase the power of Hip Hop in driving social change. I’m looking forward to seeing the community come together to experience the art, the discussions, and the battles. It’s going to be an inspiring and unforgettable day for everyone."