On Friday, Oct29, a dedication ceremony was held at the Southern University Museum of Art(SUMA) in honor of the Steve and Mary L. Harvey Foundation African ArtCollection. The program, which included a personal appearance by comedian andactor Steve Harvey and his wife Mary L. Harvey, exhibited various artwork andartifacts from different regions of Africa. Over 200 pieces were donated toSUMA including private pieces from the Harveys.
“It isimportant to give from the heart and to take responsibility to do for others,”said Mary L. Harvey during her remarks. “God has been good to Steve and I and Ihope that he continues to keep us healthy spiritually and physically so that wecan continue to give back.”
Mary L. Harveycredits her Louisiana heritage and other things for her interest in SUMA.
“I am fromLouisiana and was impressed with the campus,” she said. “It has always been mydesire to give back — that is something important to Steve and I and veryimportant to me.”
Students,faculty and staff were given the opportunity to view the donated art before theceremony began. Upon the arrival the Harveys were also given a tour thenescorted to their seats in front of adoring fans. The program consisted ofremarks by Steve and Mary L. Harvey, Dr. Leon Tarver, president of the SouthernUniversity System and Vivian Kerr, director of SUMA. The event concluded with aribbon cutting.
Kerr notedthat it is important for students to see the importance of giving back. Shealso said that the Foundation is a method for people to see the other side ofSteve and his wife outside the entertainment spectrum.
“The Harveysare very committed to bettering the community all around,” Kerr said.
During hisremarks Steve Harvey joked about his hesitance in donating some of the art butexpressed pride in his wife’s giving heart.
” My wife isresponsible for this and since we are blessed by God we must become a blessingto others,” he said. “The more you give, the more God gives to you.”
Tarver presentedthe Harveys with a plaque of appreciation.
“I was veryimpressed with Mrs. Harvey’s dedication,” he said. “Many people promise to giveto our institution but never follow through. Mrs. Harvey however was true toher word. The art donated will make a lasting impression at our university –now that’s something you can’t put a value on.”
A number ofstudents were present and were excited not only about the appearance of theHarvey’ but with the intricate works that filled the room.
” I think SUMAis a place that the university needs because it adds class and culture to ourcampus,” said Jessica Minor, a senior secondary education major from St. Louis,Missouri. “This museum is very underrated and it deserves more recognition.Many students do not know about the museum and having Steve and his wife hereis a good way to bring the attention that it deserves.”
