by Lee Pierre
Ruth E. Carter, a costume designer, returned to the Taubman Museum Monday, February 28, for a meet and greet in her honor. The reception was held as an appreciation of her exhibit and its positive effect on the community. The museum was the first stop of Carter’s traveling exhibition that features aspects and artifacts regarding her amazing career.
Cindy Peterson, Executive Director of the Taubman, introduced Carter and expressed gratitude for her and her designs.
“I would like to thank her for her process of creativity and how she shares. She shares her vision. She shares the mentorship. She shares her experience at Hampton University. She shares her heritage, encourages and she inspires through her medium. Ruth also inspires our next generation of students at HBCUs, regional colleges and universities as well as high schools.”
Recently Carter received the Vanguard Award for Costume Design NAACP Image Award, the first time this award has been given.
Mayor Sherman Lea spoke on how it was an honor recognizing “someone who has made so many proud. You have done some tremendous things and I am really glad that the NAACP recognized you.” In his remarks, Mayor Lea thanked The Taubman and Cindy for the work they did to bring the exhibition here. He then introduced members of the City Council who were in attendance.
Vice Mayor Trish White-Boyd continued showering praises and appreciation as she presented Carter with the ‘Key to the City.’
“This award is on behalf of Roanoke City, my colleagues on the City Council, and the residents of Roanoke City. We are grateful to have your exhibit here. Black Panther, Wakanda was real. It came to life because of the beautiful costumes and those designs.
Carter delighted with the gift joyously remarked, “I got a key to Roanoke. Wait until I tell my family, they are going to be so jealous.”
She modestly mentioned how it was clearly beyond her dreams of being an inspiration to others as well as being thankful she could present her works in this way.
“Working on the set is different, you see your name in the credits. But to pool all your work in one place is an honor. It is all about possibilities. HBCUs were built on possibilities. We had no possibilities at one time. All the people who made clothes for literary greats made clothes for abolitionists, made clothes for presidents, they didn’t dare to dream of being costume designers. I stand on the shoulders of all those people who helped me get here.”
Carter’s exhibit continues through April 3.
