Paintings by Jonathan Harris
Three Semesters
Three Semesters is a visual timeline of the African American educational experience, showing three moments over three centuries of education. Samuel Codes Watson was the first African American to attend the University of Michigan in 1853. Due to segregation, Watson attended illegally and was only able to because he appeared to be a white man.
Ruby Bridges was a student at William Franz academy, the first African American ever to legally attend a desegregated school in 1960. “Three Semesters” presents the image of three major events in the African American educational timeline, 1853, 1960 and 2022 current Black and African American students that graduate; Joshua Mollison ‘22, Deanna Miree ‘22, and Sean Marshall ‘22.
Its presence in the Abeng Minority Culture Lounge serves as a reminder of the long journey towards equality in education.
Amanda’s Influence
Amanda Gorman made history as the youngest inaugural poet in 2021. As a child, Gorman learned to speak English and manage her speech impedement through poetry. Her words were influenced by the Capitol Insurrection mear days before the inauguration. The poem reminds us how fragile, yet enduring we are and inspires strength and determination. The inspiration behind Amanda’s Influence comes from the significance of the moment in time. Gorman’s performance was inspiring for many, such as the young girl watching in the painting. The young Black child is both inspired and reassured that anything is possible, feelings shared by many across the nation.
Amanda Gorman Silhouette
The Amanda Gorman Silhouette depicts Amanda Gorman on her way to recite her poem, “The Hill We Climb”, at the 2021 presidential inauguration. The pages of Gorman’s poem drift behind her and turn to birds, symbolizing the transformative nature of words and their ability to spread messages, ideas, and hope.
