The Gallery at Marlboro Hall at Prince George’s Community College Announces Inaugural Exhibition
“Chess, Not Checkers” explores strategy, visibility, and power in contemporary art
By JAZMINE STEELE
Prince George’s Community College (PGCC)
LARGO, Md. (Aug. 13, 2026)— The Gallery at Marlboro Hall at Prince George’s Community College announces “Chess, Not Checkers,” a group exhibition that examines the strategic decisions artists make to navigate systems of power, visibility, and historical inequity. The exhibition features work from the College’s permanent collection, including pieces by Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, and more than a dozen other artists. “Chess, Not Checkers” opens Aug. 27. A panel discussion will take place Aug. 29 from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a public reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Curated by gallery director Eden Reff-Presco, Ed.D., “Chess, Not Checkers” brings together artists whose practices reveal how foresight, resilience, and positional awareness operate within cultural, political, and institutional landscapes. The exhibition uses the metaphor of chess, a game defined by hierarchy, limitation, and strategic calculation, as a framework for understanding how artists anticipate, respond to, and reshape the conditions in which they work.
“Visibility within the art world has never been neutral,” Reff-Presco said. “This exhibition explores the deliberate, often unseen decisions artists from historically marginalized communities make to sustain presence, agency, and creative autonomy within systems that have not always been designed to support them. Like a game of chess, success often depends not only on talent but also on strategy, anticipation, and the ability to see possibilities beyond immediate constraints.”
Rather than responding passively to history, the artists and contributors represented in this exhibition position themselves within it. Their works examine inherited narratives while asserting alternative structures of meaning, expanding conversations around power, memory, resistance, identity, and representation.
“This exhibition reflects Prince George’s Community College’s commitment to creating opportunities for students and community members to experience art not only as a form of expression but also as a catalyst for critical thinking, reflection, and deeper social understanding,” PGCC President Falecia D. Williams, Ed.D., said. “Through the work of these remarkable artists, visitors are invited to explore the role of strategy, resilience, and vision in navigating complex realities and shaping new possibilities for the future. The Gallery at Marlboro Hall serves as a dynamic gathering place where creativity and scholarship intersect, fostering meaningful dialogue and demonstrating the power of art to inspire connection, discovery, and transformation.”
As the inaugural exhibition under Reff-Presco’s directorship, “Chess, Not Checkers” reflects The Gallery at Marlboro Hall’s commitment to research-driven exhibitions, artist advocacy, civic engagement, and meaningful dialogue that connects contemporary art to the lived experiences of diverse communities throughout the Maryland and Washington, D.C. region.
Through exhibitions, public programs, artist talks, panel discussions, and community engagement initiatives, The Gallery at Marlboro Hall serves as a space for critical inquiry, cultural exchange, and creative exploration at Prince George’s Community College. For more information, visit pgcc.edu.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition dates: Aug. 27–Nov. 13, 2026
Panel discussion: Aug. 29, 3–5 p.m.
Opening reception: Aug. 29, 6–8 p.m.
Artists: Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, and Woodrow Nash, Wesley Clark, Nekisha Durrett, Virgil Ortiz, E.L. Briscoe, Tammie Rubin, Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell, Maurice James Jr., Taj Herbert, Felandus Thames, Masud Olufani, Tamara Torres, Felicita Felli Maynard, Darreé Hyun, Aline Motta, and Petie Parker.
Location: The Gallery at Marlboro Hall, Prince George’s Community College, 301 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
The Gallery at Marlboro Hall serves as a platform for contemporary artistic practice, interdisciplinary exchange, and community engagement at Prince George’s Community College. Through exhibitions, public programs, and research-centered initiatives, the Gallery fosters dialogue around art, culture, and social inquiry.
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance, designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022–2027), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skill sets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree programs, and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the College’s website at www.pgcc.edu.
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Alpha Gamma Omega Omega Chapter Surpasses Black Dollar Days Goal, Investing More Than $16,000 in Black-Owned Businesses
By RACINE TUCKER-HAMILTON
Alpha Gamma Omega Omega Chapter
Maryland City, Md. (Aug. 4, 2026)—Alpha Gamma Omega Omega Chapter (AGOO) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA) demonstrated the power of collective economic action by surpassing its Black Dollar Days goal, investing $16,452.69 in Black-owned businesses throughout June, nearly 40% above its goal of $11,830.
The month-long initiative encouraged members to intentionally support Black-owned businesses as part of the sorority’s commitment to economic empowerment and community investment. Through their collective purchasing power, chapter members supported 89 unique Black-owned businesses across more than 40 cities in at least 10 states, including Maryland and Washington, DC, creating meaningful economic impact both locally and nationally.
“Black Dollar Days is more than a campaign, it’s a movement rooted in purpose,” said AGOO Chapter President Nicola Kennedy. “Every purchase we made represented a conscious investment in Black entrepreneurs, Black communities, and Black families. By intentionally directing our dollars to Black-owned businesses, we are helping build stronger businesses, create opportunities, and contribute to the generational wealth that strengthens our communities.”
Among the businesses supported were New Digz Consignment Boutique, The Spice Suite, Felicia C. Everette Insurance, Jai Essentials: A Mother’s Love, and Sankofa Yoga, representing a diverse range of Black-owned businesses.
One of the month’s special events was a partnership with New Digz Consignment Boutique located in Crofton, Md., where members gathered for a Black Dollar Days shopping event. The collaboration generated $3,800 in buying power in a single evening, directly benefiting the Anne Arundel County business while creating an opportunity for community engagement.
“Black Dollar Days reflects AKA’s longstanding commitment to economic empowerment and supporting Black entrepreneurship. It shows how intentional spending can create measurable impact while strengthening local economies and expanding opportunities for Black-owned businesses,” added Kennedy.
Alpha Gamma Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was chartered on April 26, 2025, to serve the communities of Maryland City, Jessup, Russett, and Annapolis Junction, Maryland. Through programs focused on service, education, health, economic empowerment, and advocacy, the chapter is committed to strengthening communities and improving the quality of life for all.
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Prince George’s Film Festival and Department of the Environment Announce Call for Films for Inaugural Climate and Environmental Storytelling Track
First-ever festival track will showcase films exploring climate action, environmental justice, sustainability and resilience
By PRESS OFFICER
Department of the Environment
LARGO, Md. (Aug. 13, 2026)—The Prince George’s Film Festival (PGFF) and Prince George’s County Department of the Environment (DoE), in partnership with the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC), today announced a call for film submissions for the festival’s inaugural Climate and Environmental Storytelling Track.
Filmmakers are invited to submit narrative films, documentaries, short films, animation and student works exploring climate action, environmental justice, sustainability, clean energy, conservation, resilience and community-led environmental solutions. Submissions will be accepted through the Prince George’s Film Festival’s FilmFreeway platform until August 28, 2026.
The new track will harness the power of film to deepen public understanding of environmental challenges, elevate diverse perspectives and inspire community action. Its inaugural programming will begin November 19 at the Braveboy Climate Leadership Summit with a special film screening followed by a moderated discussion about the role of storytelling in advancing climate awareness and action.
The track will continue during the Prince George’s Film Festival, November 19–22, with a curated selection of environmental films from Prince George’s County and around the world. Programming will also include filmmaker conversations, panel discussions and audience talkbacks designed to connect residents with the people and ideas behind the stories.
The Climate and Environmental Storytelling Track will create space for films that examine both the effects of environmental change and the people working to address them. Through stories rooted in lived experience, innovation and community leadership, the initiative will connect global environmental concerns with the choices, challenges and opportunities facing local communities.
“Climate change is not only a scientific or policy issue—it is a human story that affects our health, homes, neighborhoods and future,” said Dr. Samuel B. Moki, director of the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment. “Film can make complex environmental challenges more accessible, elevate voices that are too often excluded from these conversations and help residents see themselves as part of the solution. We are proud to partner with the Prince George’s Film Festival to bring these important stories to our community.”
The partnership combines DoE’s commitment to environmental education, climate resilience and community engagement with PGFF and PGAHC’s work to elevate filmmakers, cultivate creative talent and connect audiences through meaningful storytelling.
“Storytelling has the power to make complex climate and environmental issues personal, relatable, and deeply human in ways that facts and data alone cannot,” said Rhonda Dallas, LEED AP, CEO and Chief Curator of the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council. “This new track creates an opportunity for filmmakers to inspire purposeful dialogue, elevate community voices and encourage action around some of the most consequential issues of our time. We look forward to receiving submissions from filmmakers whose work challenges, informs and inspires audiences.”
Filmmakers may submit eligible projects at https://filmfreeway.com/PrinceGeorgesFilmFestival through August 28, 2026. Submission requirements, eligibility guidelines and additional information are available on the FilmFreeway page. Selected films will be featured as part of the 2026 Prince George’s Film Festival’s Climate and Environmental Storytelling Track.
Additional information about the Braveboy Climate Leadership Summit, including registration and programming details, is available here: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/events/2025/11/braveboy-climate-leadership-summit. For Festival schedules, screening locations and ticket information: https://www.pgfilmfestival.com/.
The Prince George’s Film Festival celebrates storytelling by presenting exceptional films from around the world while elevating filmmakers, fostering industry relationships, and highlighting the varied voices and creative talent of Prince George’s County. Presented by the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council and the Prince George’s Film Office, this year’s festival returns November 19–22 in a focused, abbreviated format featuring select screenings, filmmaker conversations, and community experiences.
The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council is the County’s designated local arts agency and is committed to advancing the creative economy, supporting artists and arts organizations, and expanding access to cultural experiences throughout Prince George’s County. Through programs, partnerships and investments, PGAHC works to strengthen communities and amplify the County’s diverse creative voices.
The Prince George’s County Department of the Environment advances environmental stewardship and sustainability through innovative programs, education, and partnerships that promote climate resilience, clean communities, and a healthier future for all residents.
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