Each canvas displays an Adinkra symbol.  The symbols represent positive attributes. This piece acknowledges the origins and history of African Americans: that Black men, women, and children were taken from a culture whose families had the same desires and aspiration for their children as we do for our loved ones.      

On the opposite wall, directly across from the polyptych and in connection with it, hang twenty-six watercolor portraits in honor of African Americans. Just as many Americans hang photos of loved ones in groupings in their homes, these portraits hang in this same manner on the gallery wall. 

The subjects in the paintings vary in age and gender. Continuing the dialogue with the polyptych, the portraits are matted in batik fabric with an Adinkra symbol painted on the four corners of the mat.  The inclusion of the English word for the attribute serves a dual purpose: first to translate the symbol and second, to transition the viewer to the present day. 

 The attributes, initially a hope and dream of African ancestors is now the mission statement of the Black Lives Matter movement, displayed above the gallery of portraits:  “We affirm our existence. We affirm our right to not only live, but to thrive—to exist in a world where our humanity is seen and honored. We organize to realize a world in which our faiths are held in esteem, our identities are respected, and our families are prioritized. We deserve a world in which our children are protected, our Earth is sacred, and we are given a fair chance to decide our fates.

  In homage to the enslaved millions who crossed the Middle Passage lay six paintings representing turbulent ocean water. They are placed on the floor and extend out from the polyptych.  Six more water paintings extend from the watercolor portraits on the opposite wall to continue the metaphor of travel and time and the narrative that connects the two installations.

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