How was slavery in Arkansas during the Civil War?
The answer to this question is the theme of reopening the exhibition at the Little Rock Themed Cultural Mosaic Center in Arkansas.
Entitled “Free! Oh Free!”, Of African descent from Arkansas and the Civil War Nation: 1861-1866, the exhibit opened today with an opening reception.
The exhibit highlights the gloomy perspectives of the civil war unleashed by the era of slavery, black soldiers, and the reconstruction of Arkansas.
Quantia Fletcher of the Templar Mosaic Cultural Center told KUAR Public Radio that the exhibit was a challenge to tell the story of the occupying Alliance army as the saviour of the black nation.
“African Americans are actively fighting for freedom.” I think people often think of the Civil War and the image of the Union army sweeping the south and rescuing African Americans, so that is certainly how they are active. Of the history of freedom, “said Fletcher.
Fletcher said the show would include a 500-pound cotton ball that would be the main crop for 25% of the black Arkansas who lived and worked in the area during the Civil War.
“They will also see tailored owners looking for escaped enslaved people from Arkansas. We’re editing Arkansas history so that you won’t see any ads from Mississippi or Alabama. It was advertising and was published in the newspapers during slavery,” said Fletcher.
In addition to the exhibition, the Arkansas Creative Museum 2014, featuring works by nine artists that reflect the diverse experiences of blacks during the Civil War and the effects of slavery and discrimination, will be presented at the museum. A black artist created each piece with references to Arkansas. Art offers historical monuments, events, and people important to the black culture of the nation.
The opening reception guest curator Ronnie Nichols, former director of the Old State House in Little Rock. Nichols is a descendant of Black Civil War veterans and a writer, artist, and genealogist.
The exhibition, partly funded by the Arkansas National Council for Cultural Resources, will be on display until 31 December 2015.
