New exhibit explores African-Native American identity
by S. Rotan Hale (Francois Claytor contributed to this account)
History speaks of the unequivocal fact that race is a significant issue that unfortunately continues to hold society hostage. On a more personal level certain factors as lineage, regarding individuals and their heritage, delves deep into the core linkage that inevitably and conversely connects us as global inhabitants.
Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, July 25, Harrison Museum of African American Culture presented “IndiVisible” a premier exhibit that explores the connected lineage and plight of African Americans and Native Americans in the Americas.
“The exhibit tells the story of cultural diffusion, integration and struggles that somehow remain today and without a doubt are invisible to many (who refuse to see),” explains museum curator Francois Claytor.
Multiple images create a pictorial through the 20 placards on display, (some huge) with accompanying facts detailing the many elements of this revealing study. Additionally a video features individuals with commentary and touching testimonies concerning their genealogy and the difficulties encountered while investigating the origin of families and the heritage surrounding them.
Also featured are layouts of several famous personalities such as legendary rock guitarist Jimmy Hendricks and world champion prizefighter Muhammad Ali who took part in an historic joint demonstration known as “The Longest Walk in 1978.” The protest involved a 3,600-mile march across America for Native American rights restoration and signified the solidarity of the two races in grand fashion.
Blood Quantum laws enacted in the US in the early 1700s were established to define membership in Native American tribes and also determined the degree of ancestry for an individual of a specific racial or ethnic group.
The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were unbelievably difficult for both American Indians as well as African Americans. Racism found its way into public policy with the enactment of Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act of 1924. This act represented that all people in Virginia were classified as either white or black while Native people were classified as free persons of color.
Also, legislation was passed to make it against the law for anyone to marry people belonging to any other race other than their own which was a denial of civil rights.
Highlighting such degrading sociological treatment is one vignette featuring the Lovings: Richard, a Caucasian man, and Mildred, a woman of mixed heritage who in 1958 were arrested for violating Virginia’s anti-miscegenation laws. The case eventually led to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision invalidating laws against interracial marriage.
“After two years of negotiations while the exhibit toured across the United States, I was so motivated and driven to see this provocative and educational exhibition make its premiere showing in Virginia at the Harrison Museum,” said Claytor.
Capping the premier of this incredibly informative and enlightening exhibit was a reception held on the roof of Center In the Square. The gathering of about 100 attendees, enjoyed a breathtaking view under the evening sky.
Guests sipped and tasted delights from Seasons and Occasions Catering during the romantic affair that was perfectly accentuated with soft jazz performed by a trio situated on an upper deck above the crowd.
Kudos to the Harrison Museum of African American Culture for such an enlightening exhibit and the insightful affair.
The exhibit is produced by the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in collaboration with the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). The display will remain at the Harrison Museum through October as it continues to travel across the nation.
