January 29, 2021
We are excited to announce a new exhibit in the Main Library entitled Black America: The Story We’ll Tell. Created by NDSU Black Student Association members Gabrielle Clavo, Courtland Garrison, Kayla Jones, and Britney Kwateng, the Libraries are pleased to host an exhibit that shares their stories.
NDSU Black Student Association President Kayla Jones reflects on the exhibit: "I believe it is important that we showcase our influence in this nation. While a lot of our history has to do with fighting for our rights – and even presently fighting for our rights – a lot of our history is rooted in arts and culture and I'm so glad we got to show that. My hope is that each person that walks by the exhibit learns something new."
The exhibit showcases the following themes:
Evolution of Arts and Culture
Black culture thrives in different forms of art, many of which are rooted in its history. Learn about different genres of music over time, and what made them such a notable method of celebration. Have your Spotify® app ready, and enjoy a custom playlist as you experience the exhibit.
Military Service
African Americans have served in the United States Armed Forces since the Revolutionary War. Their attitudes toward serving in the military have evolved throughout time. Focusing on the Tuskegee Airmen and U.S. Army Veterans, learn what it meant for some to serve a country where they faced discrimination and inequality.
Black Fatherhood
The exhibit also features interviews with Black fathers who share their experiences as parents in America. From the minute their kids are born, these fathers share a common feeling of excitement, which soon becomes tainted by fear – not only due to the challenge of raising children, but also the battle of raising Black children. Regardless of what the world may think, Black fathers set out to be a pillar in the lives of their children and remain hopeful, vigilant, and excited.
Protesting
Protesting is an important part of Black history. From the March on Washington in 1963 to an ongoing series of protests across the nation last year in response to George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, protesting helps bring light to the discrimination and prejudice that still resides in the United States.
Also on display is an example of the type of clothing and flat shoes that a member of the Black Panther Party would have worn for walking and protesting in the late 1960s. The Party originated to protect African Americans from police brutality by patrolling neighborhoods. Besides fighting for equal rights, the Black Panther Party also provided aid to their community such as education, legal assistance, and transportation.
The exhibit will be on view in the Main Library through Fall Semester 2021. We hope it will provide opportunities to learn and inspire.
See the exhibit highlighted on KVRR News, NDSU News, and MSUM Campus News.
