Today I was suppose to introduce our first artist in the art story series. But after spending the day exploring, I’m sharing an art story from Savannah. Savannah has been on my list to visit for a very long time. I wanted to explore the town, visit the closest beach and enjoy the food. On the drive here, we passed a few cotton fields and I couldn’t help but think of the history of cotton as it relates to black people in America. I made a point to visit some of the art in the city dedicated to my ancestors.
Art Story from Savannah – The African-American Monument
On the famous River St. which is bustling with tourist, entertainment, views of the river and more sits a sculpture dedicated to the people brought here from Africa. It is known as the African American monument but as a women of Caribbean descent, I embrace it as a piece of art dedicated to all of us whose ancestors were brought here from Africa.
The irony in the background is not lost on me.
These hands.
These hands.
Broken chains.
I thought of my own children.
Strength
It reads…
“We were stolen, sold and bought together from the African continent. We got on the slave ships together. We lay back to belly in the holds of the slave ships in each others excrement and urine together, sometimes died together, and our lifeless bodies thrown overboard together. Today, we are standing up together, with faith and even some joy.” Dr. Maya Angelou
Looking out from where they came.
An Art Story from Savannah.
2 Comments
Lashawn
November 13, 2017 at 4:13 AMThe last time we went to Savannah I didn’t get to explore as much as I wanted to! I can’t wait to go back and see this sculpture!
M J
November 13, 2017 at 9:13 AMThis one is a must see as is the one dedication to the Haitian soldiers in the American Revolution. I have a whole list of places to see next time. I love it there.