These visual representations of African American single motherhood serve as moving reminders of the enduring legacy of systemic challenges rooted in historical injustices. These images vividly depict the intergenerational impact of past traumas such as slavery and segregation, revealing the persistent struggles faced by Black communities. Through the lens of poverty and the absence of stable marriages, these visuals illustrate the complex intersection of historical inequities and present-day realities. Despite these obstacles, they also showcase the remarkable resilience and strength of Black single mothers, highlighting their perseverance in the face of adversity. These images compel viewers to confront the pressing issues surrounding African American single motherhood and advocate for meaningful change to address systemic inequalities.
Teshome, Robsan. "Journal 6". 2024
“When the world has gone insane and we feel helpless] is precisely the time when artists go to
work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear.
We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal. I know the world is bruised
and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to
succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to
knowledge—even wisdom. Like art.” – Toni Morrison and artist friend
“The tools of civilization, how we build and destroy ourself, are the materials that I‘m interested in,” said artist Mark Bradford as he discussed his painting titled Amendment #8 (Bradford). This painting is part of his series inspired by the Bill of Rights, or the first 10 amendments. The eighth amendment states “excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” In the painting which is made of paper instead of paint, as paper is the “tool of civilization” Bradford was referring to, some of these words of the amendment are easier to see while some are distressed and completely ineligible. This is to represent how we don’t really understand the amendments and constitution; we see some of the words, but others have been buried, hidden, layered, and smudged throughout history like they are on his painting. Upon first glance, "Amendment #8" may seem just chaotic and abstract, with its layers of collage, paper, and texture. However, a closer look reveals layers of meaning that speak directly to the societal structures and systemic injustices that impact Black communities. His use of the amendments shows a deliberate focus on issues with legislation and policy, hinting at how systemic racism is slipped into law. This resonates deeply with the focus of my website on Black well-being, specifically the disparities in healthcare outcomes for Black individuals, including the alarming rates of maternal mortality among Black women. As for the art itself, the boldness of Bradford's artistic style reflects the urgency of addressing these issues. His use of vibrant colors and energetic strokes, specifically the red, bring a sense of liveliness and resilience, even in the face of adversity. This mirrors Toni Morrison's call to action in this quote, ”When the world has gone insane and we feel helpless is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear…” reminding that in times of crisis, it’s important to speak out and engage with the world through art and language. This chosen work of art recognizes that our current chaos may catapult us into an expanded understanding as Morrison implied. It does this by showing that art has the power to reveal uncomfortable truths, like the truth of our limited understanding of the amendments made to protect, or not protect we don’t really know what the words on those pages say as Bradford showcased, and inspire meaningful change. In doing so, this piece embodies Morrison's belief in the potential of art and language in relation to justice and healing.