BOSTON – Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) President Mary K. Grant today announced that Thaddeus Miles, Senior Director of Diversity Initiatives at MassHousing and founder of the Black Joy Initiative, will be among six recipients of the 2024 MassArt Common Good Award. Miles, a resident of Lowell, is being recognized for his impactful work promoting equity, empowerment, and community resilience through art, culture, and advocacy.

“Thaddeus reminds us that joy is a revolutionary act, and his work demonstrates how art and advocacy can create spaces for healing, pride, and resilience,” said President Grant. “Through his vision and dedication, he has enriched lives and strengthened communities. We are proud to honor him for the lasting difference he has made.”

A United States Air Force veteran, Miles has dedicated his career to fostering environments where joy and justice can thrive. As the founder of the Black Joy Initiative, he has created a vibrant celebration of Black culture that includes music, poetry, and dialogue, with a focus on uplifting underserved communities. The initiative has also produced the youth-authored book To My Kin: Stories and Poems Written by Youth About Black Joy and a clothing line that embodies the spirit of Black pride and resilience.

In addition to the Black Joy Initiative, Miles co-founded the Road to Wellness 5K, addressing health disparities and promoting well-being, and HoodFit, which empowers youth voices and strengthens community resilience. His dedication to equity and social justice has earned him numerous accolades, including the Visionary Award from the Timothy Smith Foundation, recognition as one of Boston’s “Most Influential Men of Color” in 2023, and the Embracing the Legacy Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Action Corps.

A well-regarded photographer, Miles’s photography captures the vibrant energy and unscripted moments of Black life, celebrating the joy and thriving spirit of the communities he photographs. Guided by his heart as much as his eye, his work offers a meditative exploration of profound connection and clarity, focusing on the essence of everyday interactions. From quiet, introspective moments to shared laughter among friends, each photograph tells a story that elevates and celebrates the rich tapestry of community life. Through his lens, Miles invites viewers to see the world as he feels it, and as he fights for it—through a lens of beauty, authenticity, and heartfelt celebration.

Miles will be celebrated alongside five other distinguished honorees, including May Chau (BFA Arts Education ’07, Arts Education), Visual Arts Supervisor for Somerville Public Schools; Shirley Ann Session Edgerton, community activist, educator, and founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program (R.O.P.E.); Toni Elka (BFA Painting ’86), founder of Future Chefs; Yinette Guzman (BFA Architecture ’08), Senior Project Manager of Design and Placemaking at the North Shore Community Development Coalition; and acclaimed documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman. Each honoree will receive a custom-made, inscribed artwork by Sam Kim, a Lowell-based ceramics artist and MassArt graduate (BFA Industrial Design and Ceramics ’18).

“This year’s Common Good Award recipients reflect the many ways artists can drive societal change, change perspectives, and honor the diversity that helps communities thrive,” said President Grant. “Each of these recipients have demonstrated innovative work in education, community building, and advocacy and stand as a testament to the essential role that creativity plays in shaping our collective future. We are honored to recognize their contributions to the common good.”

The MassArt Common Good Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at noon at MassArt’s Design and Media Center (621 Huntington Avenue, Boston). The event is free and open to the public, though tickets are required.
For more information on attending the event or learning about the MassArt Common Good Awards, visit www.massart.edu/massart-common-good-awards.

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About Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)

Founded in 1873, Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the nation’s first public, independent college of art and design. The College is dedicated to fostering the creativity of artists, designers, and educators who will shape communities and culture for the common good.

About MassArt Common Good Awards

The MassArt Common Good Awards celebrate individuals and organizations who use art and design to make a positive impact on society. Honorees demonstrate the essential role of the arts in advocacy, education, and community development, contributing to the quality of life and problem-solving efforts in today’s world.