Juneteenth, the annual celebration of emancipation from slavery in the United States, commemorates the events of June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in the Confederate States gained their legal freedom, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
These portraits, believed to be taken shortly after that time, show ways in which African Americans pushed back against stereotypes and derogatory images circulating at the time, as well as against their purposeful erasure from visual culture (including in art collections).
With the development of the camera, African Americans gained increased control over their own representation, opening their own studios, and using the camera to shape their identity in the Reconstruction (post-emancipation) era. This self-representation worked to combat propaganda that perpetuated and attempted to justify violence against the African American community.
Juneteenth has been celebrated by African American communities for more than 150 years. This is the first time UMMA has recognized it.
Reflection Prompts:
- How have you used photography to project your own identity to others? Have you ever had the experience of using photography to counter negative depictions of you and your community?
- How can photos like these and others from the time help us honor the many African Americans who have fought to hold the United States accountable to its highest ideals?
- In what ways does the historical lack of a broad public awareness about Juneteenth shine a light on white-centric storytelling at cultural institutions and selective recognition of national holidays?