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Lorraine Hansberry, 1930 - 1965, David Moses Attie, Gelatin silver print, c.1960, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Let Your Motto Be Resistance
African American Portraits is the museum's inaugural exhibition. The images were selected by guest curator Deborah Willis from the collection of the National Portrait Gallery. The theme, African American resistance across 150 years of U.S. history, was inspired by the words of Henry Highland Garnet, an abolitionist and clergyman. On August 16, 1843, Garnet spoke to a group of northern free blacks gathered to discuss the future prospects of black America. Frustrated at the lack of progress, he advocated action:
Strike for your lives and liberties....Let your motto be Resistance! Resistance! RESISTANCE!....What kind of resistance you...make you must decide by the circumstances that surround you....
Throughout American history, most black Americans embraced Garnet's plea. The photographs reveal and illuminate the variety of creative and courageous ways that African Americans resisted, redefined and accommodated in an America that needed but rarely accepted its black citizens. Some black Americans thought the lack of racial justice needed to be challenged by any means necessary, including violence. Other black Americans felt that the best form of resistance was to confront discrimination whenever possible. Many believed that resistance could be the highest form of patriotism. In their beauty and power, the featured portraits resist the stereotypic depictions that fueled racism in America.The exhibition was organized in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, and the International Center of Photography. The photographs offer all Americans an opportunity to embrace the rich heritage we share.
The catalogue for Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits is available in fine bookstores everywhere. For ordering information please call 1(800) 331-3761.
Contact Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) for the exhibition’s current and future locations.
The exhibition, national tour, and catalogue were made possible by a generous grant from the lead sponsor, MetLife Foundation. Additional Support was provided by the Council of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.