Our History, Our Pride: The Legacies
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An art exhibition featuring the work of Ramona Candy. This exhibition is being held in honor of Black History Month by the Department of African, Black and Caribbean Studies.
“Our History, Our Pride: The Legacies” begins as a continuing series of collaged portraits inspired by the deficiency of information on contributions by Black Americans. My personal daily posting on social media as “Black History/365” ultimately became “Our History, Our Pride” – the collages. As you view the portraits, take note of the names – at least one, one you don’t know. Google it. (Yes, you have homework.) You may know some and others, probably not. The collaged portraits are presented to you as both an art experience and a history lesson.
Celebrating Black history, the accomplishments of generations and the multi-faceted legacies left, this exhibition pays homage to the ancestors and demonstrates their enduring and ever-present spirit. Their legacies are as varied as the diaspora is wide-ranging. Black Africans were put on ships bound for lands unknown. Black Africans were dropped off in the Caribbean, the Americas and throughout the globe. Our origins, however, are and will always be, in Mother Africa. As you look beyond the portraits, be reminded that each other piece represents another dimension of heritage. Some legacies passed down took root in strange lands and come with distinctive customs and unique traditions, which people of African descent have incorporated into the original inheritance. The exhibition also features four abstract works inspired by “Breaths,” a song by the all-woman a capella group, Sweet Honey in the Rock. Their words remind us that the ancestors and those we love, “have never ever left.” They continue to inspire us through water, and rocks, and fire, through the seemingly insignificant things we take for granted. Just listen … we will forever be reminded of who and whose we are. Gratitude to the ancestors.
Artist Talk and Public Reception will be on February 18, 2024 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
Sponsored by University Libraries and Department of African, Black and Caribbean Studies.
For any questions please contact Fabian Burrell at 516.877.4978 or fburrell@adelphi.edu