With the start of March, Women’s History Month officially begins.
First observed in 1987, the month celebrates the effect and achievements of women.
In honor of the month, here are five exhibits to attend to honor Black women that have shaped history.
A Superlative Palette: Contemporary Black Women Artists
Available for viewing at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Superlative Palette explores contemporary art by Black women artists. Showing the works of artists Rachel Jones, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Calida Rawles and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, the exhibit focuses on themes such as empowerment and equality, creating spaces for artists who have been underrepresented in the field.
Comrade Sisters: Women of the Black Panther Party
Open until June 24 at the Museum of Fine Arts, the “Comrade Sisters” exhibit displays the work of photojournalist Stephen Shames, chronicling his time with the Black Panther party from his time as a student in the University of California to 1973.
The exhibit specifically focuses on the women of the Black Panther party. Through 27 photos, “Comrade Sisters” shines a light on Ericka Huggins, Kathleen Cleaver and other members as they worked to revolutionize the party’s effect on community schools, elderly care centers, medical clinics and registration sites.
There Is a Woman in Every Color: Black Women in Art
Offered for free at the Delaware Art Museum, this exhibit explores the representation of Black women in art throughout history. The display specifically focuses on Black women featured in American art.
Approximately 60 works are included in the collection. “There Is a Woman in Every Color: Black Women in Art” includes creations by sculptor Edmonia Lewis, painter Alma Thomas, visual artist LaToya Ruby Frazier, photographer Carrie Mae Weems and painter Mickalene Thomas.
BLACK WOMAN GENIUS: Elizabeth Talford Scott—Tapestries of Generations
On display until Sep. 30 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, the “Black Woman Genius” exhibit showcases Elizabeth Talford Scott. Born on Feb. 8, 1916, Talford Scott was an artist who became famous for her artwork on quilts.
Throughout her lifetime, Talford Scott was celebrated with honors such as the Women’s Caucus for Art Lifetime Achievement Award and was featured in the Museum of American Folk Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Using imagery, she focused on depicting personal stories, including her childhood and family traditions. With the latest exhibit, her work as well as the work of others, such as Kibibi Ajanku and Aliyah Bonnette, will be showcased to celebrate themes such as healing and ancestry.
Standing Up For Change
Available for free as an online exhibit by the National Women’s History Museum, the exhibit chronicles the roles of Black women in the Civil Rights Movement. The display spans from the 19th century to the 1960s and puts an emphasis on their impact on legislation and rights. Stories of pioneers such as Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, the NACW, Mary McLeod Bethune and Joanne Robinson are told throughout.
