Forword: When viewing the artwork of “Looking
Backward, Moving Forward”, the backgrounds are of “out-of-focus” picaninnies
which depict black children in racial caricatures. Being “out-of-focus” is a
representation of the distant past in the 1800’s and beyond as “Looking
Backward”. The foregrounds of the artwork are “in-focus” fostering a discussion
of racism of the past and today as we, black and white, strive for a colorless
society. Yes, I am hopeful if we work together.
In the archives of American history, racism
runs deep, leaving a legacy of inequality and injustice that continues to haunt
the nation to this day. From the horrors of slavery to the struggles of the
civil rights movement, the United States has grappled with the specter of
racism at every turn. However, as we look backwards to confront the injustices
of yesterday, we must also strive to move forward, forging a path towards a
more equitable and inclusive society.
