Invitation to Respond
Our "Invitation to Respond" is a series of workshops exploring the concept that enslaved Africans are unacknowledged builders of our nation. Open to people of all ages, these sessions blend history, technology, humanities and the arts to create an environment for the descendants of nation builders to contemplate the power of ancestry and publicly honor their forefathers.
Participants craft personal narratives of discovery and empowerment that can be shared with the community through presentation or public art.
Large scale tapestries integrating narratives will serve as an entry point for the public to experience narratives of the descendants of the unacknowledged nation builders of our country.
I wish I could protect you from others that do not see you as I do. I am a protector. I am a nurturer. I am a mom. They try to tear you down because they do not understand you. You’re strong, you’re beautiful, you’re not them. Your difference is fear to them, yet to me, it’s your building block. Continue to build upon your foundation, they cannot knock you down. I will be your fence surrounding you with love and not letting them destroy you.
- Tyra Richardson
Whispers of ancestors who were nation builders carrying on their legacy fostering unity and inspire future generations to continue their work in building a more just, equitable and inclusive society. I am the one we have been. Standing tall and strong with an air of elegance. Just as the maple tree’s branches stretch wide. Our roots deep in the soil of this land. This is my land as well.
- Regina Harris
I stand here today to bless the ground that my ancestors stood on. Like sheep to the slaughter, their blood, sweat and tears. The ground where they stood and cried.
I stand in this brokenness.
I am calling your name.
- Barry Darnell Burton
My Ancestors built this country. Their work must not go unnoticed. We matter and I am here.
- Jessica
In Kentucky, our workshops are in collaboration with Operation Be You, Inc.
