Winners to be featured in new exhibition showcasing the many forms of freedom March 7
CINCINNATI – The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center announced today the contest winners of Picture Freedom, a nationwide student art competition that challenged students to create works of art that capture the many forms of freedom and equality.
“Picture Freedom challenged and inspired today’s youth to understand and reflect upon the rich historical heritage of the struggle for freedom and human rights,” says Clarence G. Newsome, PhD, president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “In the process of researching and reflecting on the many meanings of freedom, these future leaders used paint, canvas, creativity and social media to create original works of art that reveal the ongoing struggle for freedom and inspire others to take courageous steps towards freedom in their everyday lives.”
This stirring collection of original artwork also reveals America’s complicated struggle to define and enable freedom throughout the course of history. Students took the opportunity to elaborate on the lessons they learned while participating in this unique competition, “I have read and studied about the people that fought and hoped for these unjust times to change. Education and awareness are two of the most important foundations of freedom. The sacrifices of those who stood up for equality paved the path for others to follow,” said Jasmyne Leigh Laguna, Picture Freedom grand prize winner from Tucson, Arizona. “It is important to remember all of the people that brought us to this point in time. We have achieved so much in the hope that we can all come together as equals and live in peace forever. We, as a nation, have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go before we can keep moving forward as a community, walking hand in hand with our heads held high.”
Picture Freedom Contest Winners, art unveiled during ceremony:
Walking Hand in Hand
By Jasmyne Leigh Laguna, Grand Prize Winner
Sonoran Science Academy, 12th Grade
Tucson, Arizona
Dreams and Nightmares
By Cheyenne Martin, First Place Winner
Doss High School, 12th Grade
Louisville, Kentucky
Free Will
By Rahzizi Ishakarah, Second Place Winner
Power APAC School, 11th Grade
Jackson, Mississippi
The reception will begin at 1 p.m. in the Everyday Freedom Heroes Gallery, where the public will have the opportunity to meet the top three winners and view the new exhibition. Twelve student finalist works will be featured in the exhibition in addition to the grand prize -winners.
As the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center celebrates its 10th anniversary and the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Picture Freedom will help visitors connect to the ongoing discourse on freedom and equality at momentous times in the history of the United States.
The Picture Freedom opening reception on March 7 is free and open to the public. Visit freedomcenter.org for more information on this and other 10th anniversary programming.