On April 22, 2008 The Humanities Council of Washington D.C. (a private, nonprofit organization that funds and conducts humanities-based cultural and educational programs for Washingtonians in every ward) honored HDSF Alumni, Aaliya Muhammad and the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative with a $5000 grant to fund the production of the documentary tentatively titled "Ira Blount: The Inauguration of a D.C. Treasure" at the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives.

Ms. Muhammad told HDSF, "I began working at the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative expecting to spend my hours answering phones and typing e-mails. Instead, I was met with the challenge of preserving the legacy of a local artist."

Ira P. Blount is an eighty-nine year old Ward 7 resident whose life accounts for nearly a century of American and Washington, D.C. history. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Blount has become a veritable “Jack of All Trades”, an artisan with experience in numerous areas.

The film will utilize the work of Mr. Blount as a catalyst that transports the viewer throughout a lifetime of history. Topics of discussion will include the noticeable effects of the civil rights movement within the city, his experience at the March on Washington, and the importance of an art filled life. It will examine his works in basket weaving, beadwork, calligraphy, origami, chuāng huā (Chinese paper cutting), and quilting in order to portray their affect on his life as well as the community.

For more information you can visit Ward 7 Arts Collaborative Online(where Ms. Muhammad works and manages the website) or DC Humanities Council

The HDSF Alumni Program wants to congratulate Ms. Muhammad on her great accomplishment!

Do you have exciting news about yourself or another HDSF Alumni? Make sure to email your updates to ecoccia@hoopdreams.org!