Introduction
The objects in this exhibition seek to embrace the story of all of those who fought to make this country free by centering on the lives and experiences of Black craftspeople and artisans from the eve of the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and beyond.
How America tells the story of revolution and independence has long centered on narratives and celebrations of its Founding Fathers. The objects in Fighting for Freedom challenge us to confront the complicated histories of what it means to be free in the United States. They bring us closer to the legacies of enslavement and address the underrepresentation of Black artisans and their impact in art history.
With a focus on the themes of mastery, contradictions, pride, identity, sojourn, and moments, this exhibition centers the lives, experiences, trials, and triumphs of Black craftspeople, illuminating their journey towards autonomy, presenting new insights into the American fight for freedom.
These objects challenge us to confront the complicated histories of what it means to be free in the United States.”
