The Truth of Freedom & The Language of Race

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the emancipation of all enslaved people on June 19, 1865, after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was enforced in Galveston, Texas, almost two years following its issue. 

 One hundred and fifty-eight years later, with the truth of history challenged, and the contentious discussions of critical race theory, how can art contribute to the conversation of racial justice? How do we explore the hidden or lingering meanings of words, or confront the unspeakable? How can art empower truth in our language and expressions?  

There are many hidden truths to freedom. The Truth of Freedom & The Language of Race uses bold and colorful collages and paintings, striking portraits, poignant scenes, and powerful displays of text and graphics to explore how race is talked about and taught. How it is constructed, misconstructed, and reclaimed. The works of art in the exhibition are by 27 local Black artists and are a creative response to the language of race. They give a voice to the unspoken.