Ambassador of Cultural Economic Development and Tourism

Randolph's Dream Community Development Corporation, 
National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, 
MUSEUM 44

What is the mission of your organization? The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum is a 501(c) 3 cultural institution. Our mission is to promote, honor and celebrate the legacy of A. Philip Randolph and contributions made by African Americans to America’s labor movement; with a significant focus on the African American railroad employee. At our facility this celebration begins with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, as we educate the public about their historic legacy and contributions. The museum exists for the purpose of providing educational and cultural enrichment for all of mankind. All activities, past, present and future, are for the purposes and objectives that are inextricably intertwined — the study, preservation, interpretation, and enjoyment of African American history and culture. The permanent collection displays exhibits which are pertinent to the study of American labor history with a specific focus on the African American contribution to America’s labor history and includes but is not limited to: the Pullman Company, as it relates to African American railroad employee labor history, A. Philip Randolph, the Pullman Porters, the Great Migration, and the American Civil Rights Movement.

Owner and Director and of Ancestry Moon Art Studios

Bio information taken from this website
and written by By Carrie Channell
​

Salima Cobb-Collins, owner of Ancestry Moon, 10338 S. Western, has developed a very personal art gallery that is also so much more. More than just a place to display of local artists’ work, the gallery provides a space for community where artists can paint, critique, and learn about techniques, installations, art history and even the business of art.

Throughout the year Cobb-Collins leads field trips to museums, gallery openings and festivals, and the Ancestry Moon artists collectively enter contests. The art on display is commissioned with part of the proceeds going toward installing shows twice a year, one in spring and one in winter.

The theme of Ancestry Moon is that of belonging. Cobb-Collins encourages her students and regular artists to tap into their personal histories and their ancestry and create works of art that connect people. Often, artists who have never met before identify with each other’s traditions and sometimes realize that they come from the same place.

The “moon” in the gallery name is the symbol for each person’s inner self, opposite the outgoing “sun.”  Cobb-Collins keeps a quote on the wall to remind herself and the artists of this: “The moon is the key to the deeper emotional self.  It’s where your secrets and desires live.”

Cobb-Collins also conducts family friendly events, including, “Mommy and Me” and couples-painting workshops. She serves home schoolers of Beverly/Morgan Park and does ministry work with local churches.

During the week a regular group of artists meet to paint, critique and socialize in the afternoons. Classes are available for intermediate and advanced students including weekend instruction for beginners and three-hour open paint workshops. Hours, special events and info: 312-956-5965.