CINCINNATI – The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center announced today the extended run of And Still We Rise: Race, Culture and Visual Conversations. Originally slated to close March 29, the popular exhibition will now be on view through Labor Day weekend. And Still We Rise narrates 400 years of history through 85 story quilts and was curated by Carolyn Mazloomi, Ph.D., director of the Women of Color Quilter’s Network (WCQN). The exhibition was organized by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Cincinnati Museum Center.
The beautifully handcrafted quilts featured in And Still We Rise were created by an international group of artists from the WCQN and narrate the history of the African American experience, capturing the stories of freedom’s heroes, ranging from Frederick Douglass to Mae Jemison to the first African American President. Mazloomi, guest curator and founder of the WCQN, was inspired to curate the exhibit to educate the general population about the ascendant influence of African American culture on the American cultural landscape. The exhibition constitutes an unprecedented commentary in cloth, dispelling the problem of restricted African American artistic and historical agency by voicing a chronological account of the struggles and triumphs of a marginalized people.
“And Still We Rise is a breathtaking visual experience that evokes a myriad of African American experiences and triumphs,” said Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, president of the Freedom Center. “I am touched by the amazing response from our visitors who have been forever changed by the presentation of history in this unique, awe-inspiring way. We are glad to make it available to visitors to our many spring and summer visitors.”
Through the accessibility of their colors, patterns, symbols and style, these quilts reveal stories that enable conversations about sensitive topics from our history–from John Brown to Trayvon Martin, creating open conversation of racial reconciliation in America. Visitors of all walks of life can relate to this tactile story book and leave with a deeper understanding of American history.
“The exhibition gives voices to personal, authentic and unique histories of African American men and women–from relating painful stories of enslaved ancestors, to highlighting contemporary political leaders and drawing attention to social challenges our nation continues to face today,” said Mazloomi.
And Still We Rise is included with general admission and will be on view through Sept. 1, 2014. Sponsored by P&G and ArtsWave. #AndStillWeRise
Visit freedomcenter.org for more information