BETYE SAAR - Lifetime Achievement in the Arts - MoAD Afropolitan Ball 2017

Awarded In recognition of her as one of the most profound living American artists. As one of the artists who ushered in the development of Assemblage art, Saar’s practice reflects on African American identity, spirituality and the connectedness between different cultures. Her symbolically rich body of work has evolved over time to demonstrate the environmental, cultural, political, racial, technological, economic, and historical context in which it exists. Without Saar’s legacy and her many contributions to the history of art, the Museum of the African Diaspora would not exist.

FRED BLACKWELL - Lifetime Achievement in the Arts - MoAD Afropolitan Ball 2017

Awarded in recognition of his bold and fearless commitment to level the playing field in philanthropy and for his role as an innovative and progressive change agent to challenge inequality. Under his leadership as the CEO of the San Francisco Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the country, the Foundation has launched an ambitious strategy in a renewed commitment to social justice through an equity agenda focused on racial and economic inclusion across the Bay Area.His role as the Executive Director of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency was pivotal in the creation of the Museum of the African Diaspora.