01
Sep
Cotton in My Hands
Johnson Hall Art Gallery
03-31 October, 2024
Curated by Dr. Cassie S. Turnipseed.
This exhibition at Jackson State University’s Johnson Hall Art Gallery is a tribute to the resilience and contributions of African Americans who labored in the cotton fields, particularly in the Mississippi Delta. This exhibition draws upon the extensive research and historical insights of Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed, whose work emphasizes the need to restore dignity and recognition to those whose labor was integral to the growth of America’s economy.
The exhibition features the compelling “Cotton in My Hands” collection—an assemblage of original art, photographs, and artifacts that vividly depict the lives and enduring spirit of those who worked the cotton fields under challenging and often oppressive conditions. The collection provides a vivid portrayal of the physical and emotional challenges faced by these individuals, while also celebrating their strength and perseverance.
Exhibition Highlights:
“Cotton in My Hands” Collection: The “Cotton in My Hands” collection, donated by Drs. Leo and Gloria McGee, offers a powerful tribute to African Americans who picked and cultivated cotton. Through a selection of photographs, artworks, and artifacts, the collection honors their resilience and dignity, showcasing the daily realities of their labor and personal stories of endurance. This collection preserves their legacy, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the strength and contributions of these workers to the nation’s prosperity.
Image: Ed Dwight, Hands That Picked Cotton Now Can Pick Our Public Officials, c. 1981
Historical and Cultural Insights:
This exhibition explores the vital role of African American laborers in cotton cultivation, drawing from Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed’s extensive research. From slavery through Reconstruction and sharecropping, their labor was central to the South’s economic growth and cultural development. The McGees’ collection, complemented by Dr. Turnipseed’s scholarship, highlights the resilience and cultural richness that emerged despite oppressive conditions, emphasizing how these workers not only shaped America’s prosperity but also forged a lasting cultural legacy.
Image: Willie Nash (b. 1937), Cotton Picker
Commemorative Vision: This exhibition aligns with the broader vision of establishing a commemorative site dedicated to honoring the laborers of the cotton fields, correcting historical oversights, and ensuring their contributions are respected and remembered. To learn more visit: Cotton Pickers of America
Visit Us
We invite you to visit the exhibition from October 3rd to 31st, 2024, at the Johnson Hall Art Gallery, Jackson State University. Admission is free, and the exhibition is open to the public during gallery hours.
Contact Information:
For more information about the exhibition, please contact:
Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed
Email: cassie.s.turnipseed@jsums.edu
Jackson State University