What's Happening?
Illuminate Montgomery, in collaboration with MAP 360 Downtown, has secured a grant to enhance the nighttime aesthetics of downtown Montgomery, Alabama. As part of this initiative, Montgomery native Amber Whatley has been appointed as a lighting designer
to illuminate downtown murals. Beyond this, Whatley has extended her mission to local education by bringing BlackOut, a specialized workshop and video series she founded during her master's program, to the students of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School (BTW). BlackOut aims to make lighting design and technology accessible to Black youth and underserved communities, providing professional-grade technical theatre education before students enter higher education. The intensive two-day workshop at BTW recently concluded, emphasizing that lighting design offers a rapidly growing career field with diverse opportunities beyond traditional theatre.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it directly invests in the revitalization and beautification of downtown Montgomery, which can boost local tourism and community pride. Secondly, by introducing professional lighting design to high school students, particularly those from underserved communities, the program addresses a critical gap in early technical education. Many students do not encounter such specialized fields until college, by which point career paths may already be chosen. Providing this exposure earlier can broaden students' horizons and equip them with valuable skills for a burgeoning industry. The program also highlights the versatility of lighting design, demonstrating its applicability across various sectors like entertainment, concerts, and even fashion, as noted by BTW junior Layla Johnson-Nichols, who plans to apply her new knowledge to fashion design.
What's Next?
The success of this initial workshop suggests potential for expansion and replication in other schools or communities. Amber Whatley's ongoing role in illuminating downtown murals will continue, providing visible examples of the craft she teaches. The partnership between Illuminate Montgomery and MAP 360 Downtown may seek further grants or funding to sustain and grow the BlackOut program, potentially reaching more students and integrating more advanced modules. Students like Layla Johnson-Nichols are expected to apply their newly acquired skills in their future endeavors, potentially inspiring their peers and demonstrating the practical value of such specialized training. The program could also foster a new generation of technical theatre professionals and lighting designers in Montgomery and beyond.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative touches upon deeper societal implications, particularly regarding equitable access to specialized education and career opportunities. By targeting Black youth and underserved communities, BlackOut actively works to dismantle barriers that often prevent these groups from entering technical fields. This proactive approach can lead to greater diversity and inclusion within the lighting design and technical theatre industries. Furthermore, the project underscores the importance of local talent returning to contribute to their hometowns, as exemplified by Amber Whatley. It also highlights how artistic and technical skills can intersect, offering creative career paths that are both fulfilling and economically viable, challenging traditional notions of vocational training and artistic pursuits.
