ACTS OF COURAGE: THE VISIBLE ART OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

A group exhibition and readings by Buffalo artists, curated by  Deborah Weeks Carson, featuring works by Patricia Carter, Valery Cray, La'rrie Fulton, Relena Jones (on view through November 4, 1995). The evening included a Keynote Address by Dr. Imani Lillie B. Fryar, Assistant Professor, Cultural Studies, Empire State College, and readings by: Shirley Sarmiento (Urban Arts Management Team); Sharon Amos; Jackie Bailey; Janice Earl-Chapman; La'rrie Fulton; Women Movin' On. Also on view at Hallwalls during the run of this exhibition are two solo exhibitions by Laylah Ali and Janet Henry.

Curator's statement:

Here are the stories left untold in the hisoty books. The footsteps unseen by the first eye. The voice which is fainlty remembered. The tear stained, bloodstained quilt at your bed-side. These are traces of the African American woman, her determination inspires Lady Liberty's torch. Her mystery ignited the Salem wich hunts and her beauty put a yellow rose on the Texas Flag. This Woman has nursed an entire nation and led her children out of Canaan land. Her daily life often an unending struggle. Like a silent nearly invisible war that won't end.

Yet through it all she has remained courageous. She is creative and victorious. To all who have come to knoe her greatly she is mother and maker, defender and taker of the dream.
- Deborah Weeks Carson, Curator