As most of the US spent today with hotdogs and fireworks, I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly there was to celebrate about the US as a nation.
I was recently humbled to experience EJI’s Legacy Museum in Montgomery, AL and it is with that in mind I write this Fourth of July thread. - S
Unfortunately for this thread, photography is not permitted within the museum so I’m not able to share the specific pieces that I want to, but I will be sharing pieces of a similar sentiment.
Below are illustrations from a video from EJI, context in alt text.
In trying to find the art that I was so awestruck by in person a couple of weeks ago. I found the works of Billy Morrow Jackson, who during the US Civil Rights movement of the 1960s departed from his usual landscape art and created a series of prints a sampling of which are below. Alt text=Context.
Finally we have a selection of pieces from June Clark’s “Unrequited Love” exhibit. Clark sums up the genesis of these pieces perfectly saying “I began to try and decipher exactly what my relation to the flag had become. As one is confused when a lover turns on one for no apparent reason”
I really wish I was able to put into more eloquent words my feelings about America’s legacy and this holiday, I chose to share one piece of the history of this nation built on genocide and violence.
Here’s one final flag for you courtesy of an edit of imo the most powerful piece at legacy museum
