Stay Black and Die: A Black Life in 3 Acts
March 7 - 28, 2025
Join us in the Front Street Gallery for a powerful and immersive artistic experience with Stay Black and Die: A Black Life in 3 Acts, a one-of-a-kind event blending visual art, poetry, and performance.
On March14th, 23rd, and 28th, the gallery will transform into a living, breathing artistic space where poetry and visual art collide to create an unforgettable experience.
Attendees will engage with thought-provoking artwork and experience poetry in
motion, culminating in a theatrical performance of Lindsay Haralson's powerful
piece, Stay Black and Die. This gripping performance explores the Black experience
across generations, weaving themes of history, struggle, love, and perseverance into a
story that will leave a lasting impact.
Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in original artwork, live
poetry readings, and deep storytelling, making each night a unique and meaningful
journey.
This is more than an exhibition—it’s an experience that invites you to feel, reflect,
and engage in the power of Black art and poetry.
The Gallery is open for the monthly First Friday and Saturday Art Hop on March 7th 5-9pm and March 8th 11am - 4pm as well as M,W,F 10AM - 3PM for a sneak peak at the visual art shown in the full performance. To get the full experience reserve your seat at one of the performance dates listed above.
Markel Haralson – Fine Artist | Storyteller | Cultural Curator
Markel Haralson is a Detroit-born fine artist whose work transcends the canvas,
capturing the essence of Black life, culture, and resilience. His artistic journey is deeply
personal, shaped by his experience in the foster care system and his belief that every
story exists in shades of complexity. Through his bold compositions and emotionally
rich storytelling, he challenges narratives, celebrates identity, and sparks conversation
about the realities of Black existence.
With two murals in Saginaw, Markel’s work extends beyond galleries, bringing
powerful visuals to public spaces. His talent has also been recognized in the world of
science and academia, with two published features in science magazines,
highlighting the intersection of art and social commentary.
Markel is a published painter alongside his wife, author and poet Lindsay
Haralson, using art and poetry to create immersive storytelling experiences. He is the
visionary behind the Why Can’t We? series—an exhibition that has been showcased
four times, exploring themes of love, strength, and the Black experience beyond
stereotypes. His dedication to amplifying authentic voices extends to the literary world,
where he is also a published author, further solidifying his role as a multifaceted
creative force.
At his core, Markel’s work is more than art—it’s an invitation to see, feel, and reflect.
Whether through paint, poetry, or immersive exhibitions, he curates experiences that
leave a lasting impact, urging audiences to engage in a deeper dialogue about
humanity, identity, and the power of self-expression.
Lindsay Haralson – Author | Educator | Literary & Visual Storyteller
Lindsay Haralson is a Dayton-born author, educator, and multidisciplinary artist
whose work bridges the worlds of literature, academia, and visual storytelling. With a
Master’s degree in Education and a passion for fostering intellectual and creative
growth, she spent five years teaching at Thurgood Marshall High School, shaping
young minds and inspiring the next generation of critical thinkers.
Beyond the classroom, Lindsay’s impact extends into the world of literature and art. A
published author, her writing blends poetic mastery with raw, unfiltered emotion,
exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the Black experience. She has led poetry
workshops at universities, cultivating spaces for academic discourse and creative
expression, and has showcased her work through three art exhibitions, merging her
literary voice with striking visual narratives.
Now, Lindsay brings her most ambitious work yet—Stay Black and Die: A Black Life
in 3 Acts—a powerful artistic statement that challenges, educates, and engages.
More than an exhibition, this experience fuses her love for poetry, storytelling, and
performance into a theatrical exploration of Black identity, history, and perseverance.
With a career dedicated to both scholarship and artistic expression, Lindsay continues
to blur the lines between academia and creativity, inviting audiences to not just witness,
but deeply engage with the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shape the world
we live in.
Stay Black and Die - a Black Life in 3 Acts is presented by Imperfectly Perfect Art LLC. Husband-and-wife duo Markel and Lindsay Haralson are the creative forces behind
Imperfectly Perfect Art LLC, a platform that brings art and poetry together to tell stories
that challenge perspectives, spark conversation, and celebrate authentic Black voices.