The Lion Man Literacy Project

This exhibit features superhero comic book art created by young people from the community under the guidance of Dr. Michael Dando, professor of English at St. Cloud State University.

Highlighting the visions and imaginations of Black youth solving real-world problems through the actions of superheroes, this anthology embodies empowering narratives with original work created by participants from organizations like Too Much Talent, Southside Boys and Girls Club of Central Minnesota, and ISD742 South Junior High School CRUSH Academy.

This compelling collection showcases the forces that create positive change within the hearts and minds of young, local thinkers.

Also featuring Michigan State University’s Traveling Exhibition Beyond the Black Panther: Visions of Afrofuturism in American Comics.

This presentation explores how aesthetics and community shape contemporary Black comics. Beyond the Black Panther offers stories inspired by African folklore such as Is’nana the Were-Spider and stories from the Black speculative tradition.