MFS Exhibited: Roots & Realities is the second annual fundraising art exhibition curated by Moving Forward Sudan (MFS). MFS is a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to unify the Sudanese Diaspora in the U.S. through initiatives that serve and empower the Sudanese-American community, while also fostering positive relationships within the American community at large. This year, MFS launched its live exhibition in Alexandria, VA on January 12th, 2025. The event’s goals were: (1) to showcase Sudanese artistry in an effort to raise funds for displaced Sudanese families and (2) to foster a sense of community and cultural pride during this time of great distress as the third year of the war in Sudan approaches (April 15, 2025). 

As a way to make space for community, healing and awareness, Moving Forward Sudan and Sapelo Square partnered to create an online version of the live exhibit, highlighting 31 artists and poets from across the Sudanese diaspora. This online exhibition is intended to be a creative space for storytelling and showcasing the resilience of the Sudanese diaspora. MFS aims to honor Sudanese history and culture while also acknowledging the current stories of pain and displacement.

Throughout the exhibition, the MFS team utilized resources such as the Sudan Syllabus curated by Razan Idris, read works by Dr. Ahmed Al-Shahi, a renowned Sudanese folklore scholar, and spoke at length to community elders.

The visual art and poetry express six main sub-themes within the larger context of  Roots & Realities including: Tradition, Displacement, Family/Female Relationships, Ordinary Life, Home, and Journey. These sub-themes come together as a mosaic, distinct in their forms and stories, creating a timely and beautiful picture that provides multiple lenses in which to view the experiences of the Sudanese people.

Sapelo Square is extremely honored to share space with the MFS team and all of the artists and poets who contributed their heart and soul into their work and the Sudanese community.

Some items featured in the exhibit are still available for purchase on Moving Forward Sudan’s Zeffy Shop. Please support these artists and purchase their incredible artwork if able. – https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mfs-exhibited-roots-and-realities You can also learn more regarding the annual exhibition by contacting Moving Forward Sudan.