Members of MBC make cutout art at the Orr Street Studios Community Service Event in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday, Nov. 12. There were several different types of art created at the event.
MBC members paint tote bags at the Sip, Paint and Vent event at the Gaines Odell Black Culture Center on Wednesday, Oct. 19 in Columbia, Mo.
Mizzou Black Creatives (MBC) started in 2022 to foster creative empowerment among Black artists by offering a platform for artistic expression. N'Ya Fritz and Terrinea Taylor created MBC as a way to promote their art and share their passions. The need for a community of Black artists was the push for N'Ya to found MBC. MBC not only promotes art but also educates the University of Missouri campus about the past, present, and future of African American art and design. Through hosting events, promoting art, and uplifting Black creative voices, MBC will continue to create an accepting community for all Black creatives.
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Meet the People Behind MBC
Founder and President
N'Ya Fritz is the founder and president of MBC. She created the organization to give a platform to Black artists and creators at Mizzou.
During her freshman year at Mizzou, Fritz noticed that there wasn't a defined community of Black visual and graphic creators, even those interested in culinary and cosmetological arts among others. As a visual artist herself, Fritz knew how important it was to have a marketplace of creativity and a space where people can express themselves with others at Mizzou.
"As college students, we're caught up in everything we have going on," Fritz said. "I don't major in art, so it's hard to prioritize and make time for that aspect of my identity."
Fritz served as a visual arts decorator for the Alpha Phi Alpha Pageant, her time spent on the project sparked her interest in jumpstarting a club for Black creatives and those interested in Black art and design.Fritz hopes to give back to the community and take the club to new heights.
Vice President
Terrinea Taylor is the Vice President of MBC. Her work with N'Ya helped lay the foundations of the organization and the impact it has on the community today.
Taylor's partnership with Fritz dates back to their time as roommates, where Fritz would approach Taylor with the idea of an organization that centers around Black artists and creators.
Taylor's creative spark stems from her experience as a fashion content creator on YouTube. Her love for the subject is something that she regularly incorporates into the organization, reminding members that all kinds of creativity is welcome.
"They're very supportive, and everyone has an open mind," Taylor said. "It feels like a family when we're together."
Taylor and Fritz will continue to bolster and support MBC's growth with new events, opportunities, and partnerships.
At Mizzou, she is a Junior and a Health Science major.