“Still Yearning” by Lyric Montgomery Kinard
This is one in a series of posts featuring an artist whose work is included in the Threads of Resistance exhibition.
Artist’s Statement:
From its very inception, the privilege of citizenship in the
Unites States of America has been denied to group after group, based on race
and religion. African Americans were not granted citizenship until 1868, four
years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Native Americans were not granted
citizenship until 1924. Chinese immigrants were not allowed citizenship until
1943. We have turned away people after people who have sought refuge and
opportunity. Now our leaders have chosen to vilify Muslims fleeing massacre and
Mexicans seeking a better life for their children.
We as citizens can choose to better live the highest of our
American values; “that all men are created equal.” Through our individual
actions and compassion we can stitch our country into a tapestry of great
strength and beauty. Through our votes and civil dialogue and understanding of
the data gathered by scientists, we can mend the tears in the fabric of our
society.
Flag photograph by Stuart Seager used by permission;
Immigrant photos by Augustus Sherman Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New
York Public Library: public domain.
Hear a message from Lyric about her piece below:
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