The COLORism of America | Created by Renée Fleuranges-Valdes from North Charleston, SC.

The COLORism of America

Created by:

Renée Fleuranges-Valdes from North Charleston, SC

Exhibit:

Racism: In the Face of Hate We Resist

Artist Statement:

For over 400 years Blacks have had to persevere through all types of inhumane and unjust treatment. While our ancestors bore the brunt of most of the injustice, it is important to note that racism is still alive in the 21st century.

The COLORism of America attempts to show just how much we have struggled to gain equality. The United States is vastly different for Black Americans than it is for white Americans, where housing, healthcare, education, wealth, the criminal justice system, and law enforcement all have different meanings based on the color of one’s skin.

We have seen some change, but there is still a long road ahead. Instead of focusing on the whole history of the United States, I have highlighted the past one hundred years. I share stories of Black Americans whose perseverance, sheer grit, and determination, risking both their lives and livelihoods, worked to create a more perfect America. Such unselfish acts of courage need to continue for the foreseeable future if we are to save the soul of this great country. We need more brave Americans with the same fortitude to effect positive change and move this country to where it needs to be… where all men and women are treated equally, regardless of the color of their skin.

2020
29½" x 38"
Commercial cotton fabric; machine pieced and appliquéd, machine quilted.