MoMA Exclusive: For his brand Khiry, Jameel Mohammed applies the principles of Afrofuturism—the intersection of African diaspora culture with technology—for his jewelry designs. These Moving Together Stud Earrings in gold vermeil depict two figures converging in motion, in celebration of Alvin Ailey's maxim "dance is for the people." Khiry's Moving Together collection is specifically inspired by conversations he had with Janine Beckles, dancer and creative director of Philadanco, a Philadelphia based dance company founded in 1970 in an effort to provide performance opportunities for Black dancers, who were at the time, systematically denied entrance to many local dance schools and had even fewer professional performance outlets. PHILADANCO! has since grown into a professional dance company that is recognized across the nation and around the world for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and captivating performances. Established on principles of providing opportunity, inclusion, and hope, PHILADANCO! bridges cultural divides and consistently performs before sold-out audiences of people from diverse backgrounds and communities.
