Black Arts Throughout Time
Kanye Sweeney
Kanye Sweeney
The Black Arts Movement was a cultural movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, and it was aimed at promoting the artistic and cultural achievements of African Americans. But this movement did not truly end, and this movement truly began a long time ago. Black arts existed long before the times of America. This is encompassed in various forms of art, including literature, music, dance, theater, and visual arts. It focuses on the variety of Black creativity and the Black Arts Movement and intends to showcase the diversity and richness of African American culture and its impact on the broader cultural landscape. Black excellence is not just found within the pages of civil rights history, but also in our writing, visual art, music and so much more.
The exhibit has a broad time spectrum, meant to illustrate just how long African Americans have continued the traditions of their ancestors and show the historical context and significance of Black people’s creativity.
Literature is also another very important aspect, including works by prominent Black authors, such as James Baldwin and Langston Hughes including excerpts from their books or poems, some of which have even been turned into musical scores, as they continue the legacy set by our African griot ancestors. Music is one of the most famous contributions of Black musicians to American society, including jazz, blues, soul, and hip-hop.
And the exhibit also features the work of Black visual artists. Visual artists include painters, sculptors, and photographers. This includes both historical and contemporary pieces and many of which highlight themes such as identity, history, and social justice.
Theater and dance are other avenues Black creatives have used for self-expression. So this exhibit also presents the work of Black playwrights, directors, and choreographers, giving honor and respect to Black theatre.
And lastly but not least, also the broader cultural impact of the Black Arts Movement and Black creativity on American culture, including its influence on politics, social justice, and popular culture. Overall, this exhibit is about putting to the forefront the variety of Black expression and creativity within not only the Black Arts Movement but also throughout Black existence in America. This is undoubtedly a way to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and promote greater awareness and understanding of their contributions to American and world culture.
Series 1, Manuscript: Giovanni's Room, circa 1944-1949, Box: 1, Folder: 35. Countee Cullen-Harold Jackman memorial collection, 0000-0000-0000-0034. Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc. . http://findingaids.auctr.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/50401
James Baldwin is a renowned Black author and a trailblazer for many Black creatives who focus on their writing skills. This piece is meant to show that when we see the finished product of any Black creative’s work or piece in this exhibit, we should keep in mind the blood, sweat, and tears that went behind their personal creative expression. And given Baldwin’s stance of being openly queer, he has represented the queer community within the book Giovanni’s Room, becoming a pioneer for Black queer representation. But the manuscripts are just one example of how literature is a medium that Black creatives have proudly chosen as a way to express themselves and give rise to Black self-reflection in the world.
Series 4, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," lyrics by Langston Hughes, music by Margaret Bonds (New York: Handy Brothers Music Company, Inc.), 1942, Box: 102, Folder: 37. Countee Cullen-Harold Jackman memorial collection, 0000-0000-0000-0034. Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc. . http://findingaids.auctr.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/54163
Writing and literature are unquestionably a big part of what this exhibit seeks to praise and highlight within the Black community. But this piece, a musical rendition of Langston Hughes’s “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, is part of this exhibit to illustrate that Black creations can transcend the original medium through which they were created. While it started off as a poem, the piece was then transposed into sheet music, with time and key signatures, and other important tell-tale signs of musical composition. It demonstrates that literature can cross over into music, much like how traditionally, literature would also result in plays and movies, and drama productions. It is an example of how Black creative arts can be adapted into different mediums and forms.
Series 1, African Folk Tales, undated, Box: 1, Folder: 6. Countee Cullen-Harold Jackman memorial collection, 0000-0000-0000-0034. Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc. . http://findingaids.auctr.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/50371
This piece in the exhibit serves to demonstrate that Black stories and themes have been shared amongst our people since time immemorial. One tale speaks of the domestication of dogs, choosing a happy and fulfilling life with humans. It is indicative of how folk tales seek to make sense of the state of the world around us, and why things are the way they are. But this is done from an Afrocentric viewpoint and the tradition of folk tales would continue with African American folk tales that were emblematic of their time.
"I'm Gonna Be John Henry," taken from Simply Heavenly, lyrics by Langston Hughes, music by David Martin (New York: Bourne Inc.), 1957, Box: 102, Folder: 6. Countee Cullen-Harold Jackman memorial collection, 0000-0000-0000-0034. Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc. . http://findingaids.auctr.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/54132
“I’m Gonna Be John Henry” is a song with lyrics penned by Langston Hughes. The song is another example of how writing can play a role in music and its composition. The song is also important given the person this song talks about is none other than the African American folk hero John Henry as he proves his might against. This piece not only combines the avenues of literature and music but also draws upon folktales to give this piece a feeling of many different branches of Black expression coming together.
Lava Thomas. Decatur. Lava Thomas: Homecoming, Spelman College Museum of Fine Art August 17th-December 3rd 2022.
The Decatur exhibit by Lava Thomas documents her ancestor’s efforts to be rewarded for his service during the American Civil War. The “Charles H. Arthur” piece from Lava Thomas is a part of this digital exhibition because it helps paint a picture of how long African Americans have fought for their rights in America, given the “Charles H. Arthur” piece shows him in his Civil War uniform, cementing the time period in which he struggled. With Lava Thomas being a contemporary artist, it helps illustrate that the creatives and artists of today are carrying the traditions of documenting history that our ancestors started. This piece helps tie the timeline together, from African folklore to contemporary visual art.