How White Supremacy Attempts to Make Slavery and Segregation, “Soooo Long Ago.”
Where did the idea come from?
We were commissioned to create a piece of art that gives an account of America’s history of slavery, originally as a tattoo to go around someone’s wrist. This graphic tattoo is a timeline that highlights key points in Slavery of the African Diaspora in America. A timeline that is too very often dismissed and disregarded.
What does “But Slavery was So Long Ago” mean?
We’ve heard this quote over and over throughout the course of modern American history. In an attempt to urge Black people to “move on” and to recognize just how good they have it in America, this dismissive and tone-deaf statement attempts to transform relatively recent history into ancient history or myth.
However, when looking at this graphic, it is very clear that American slavery and segregation was not so long ago. In fact, it is still possible to have conversations with many African Americans who have vivid memories of Jim Crow South and the racist and subversive practices in the North.
America cannot escape its past. This country’s history is stained with the blood of thousands and its foundation built on the backs of enslaved men, women and children. America’s complete history cannot be told without including the horrors of slavery and its long-lasting effects.
The enslavement of African peoples by Europeans began in 1441 with Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal. However, because this tattoo is specific to the enslavement of the African Diaspora in America and because it includes American segregation, we felt that it did not make sense to include a full timeline of the entire diaspora.
For this graphic tattoo, here’s what we included:
- 1619: Arrival of “20 and odd” Africans in late August, on an English warship the “White Lion.”
- 1865: Slavery abolished in the United States of America.
- 1954: Supreme Court Declares School Segregation Unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education.
Why those dates?
The dates were chosen as landmarks for when the law changed. It’s to serve as a reminder that slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation were all perfectly legal. Just because something is the law does not make it right.
Why did you make this?
We believe that history is important and that all Americans, Black and white, have the responsibility to make sure that history is not forgotten. It’s only by recognizing our past and doing the work to make reparations that we can truly move forward.
Why were these colours chosen?
The colours; Red, Black, Yellow, and Green, are colours used in PanAfrican symbolism and design. As the client is an African American, we wanted to represent that history and culture in the colours themselves as they wrap around the wrist.
There are DOZENS of things that could be added. Because it’s a simple design, there is only so much we can add. But that is exactly why the green area is untitled. Green doesn’t necessarily mean good. The untitled green area recognizes that full equality for African American people still has yet to be fully realized. When it comes down to it, people are STILL fighting for equality; whether it’s for city services, fair treatment by police, education, or wages. Institutional racism is a major problem still and the green portion encompasses that.
To suggest that an entire community of people forget the stain of slavery and its adverse effects is a selfish attempt to absolve this country of its sins. That is why we are happy to create pieces like this graphic tattoo because these pieces help to keep this country accountable for its legacy of slavery. Without looking backwards and acknowledging the horrific past, we cannot fully move forward.
Can I get this as a shirt?
You bet, and as posters! If you are a teacher or educator, 50% of your order will be refunded to you. This project is turning into several other projects! If you like what you see, you can support here!
