Freedom Now
The centerpiece of the Ames Auditorium is the “Freedom Now” mural, created in 1965 by Robert W. Ames. It was originally carved in panels so that it could travel around the country. It has now been installed as a single piece and is the backdrop to the auditorium. This profile-relief wooden mural, chronicles the history of Africans arriving to North America in 1619 and their evolution of becoming “African Americans”. The mural begins this journey by observing various complex social structures and diverse aspects of life on the African continent prior to European colonization. The mural also highlights the “Middle Passage” and the African presence in building the American landscape. Evelyn provided the participants with an excellent detailed description of this beautiful carving.
Sixteen Pieces: An Exhibition of Sacred Yoruba Art
The concept for "Sixteen Pieces" originated with Babalawo Olalekan Babalola, of the Ifa Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust in the U.K. His idea was to have different artists interpret in a visual form, the main verses from the sacred Yoruba literature, Odu Ifa. Taken together, these visual works give insight into the Yoruba worldview of life, death, transformation and rebirth. Each painting interprets a specific body of literature that deals with the human experience as seen by the Yoruba.
The group then had sometime to wander through the museum and, of course, stop in the gift shop before boarding the trolley for the ride back to DePaul. Their was so much to see, everyone felt an individual return trip was in order.
Unfortunately, we couldn't photograph in the museum, but the pictures below capture the trip from DePaul to the DuSable. Our trolley conductor, Mike, shared with those on board a fascinating story about the South Side and some of its prominent persons as we traveled. And, Alex, from Mission and Values, kept track of us all.
Harvette and Jack - thanks so much for organizing a great excursion.
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