There is a fabulous exhibit at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut that tells the story of the sea from the viewpoints of Black and Indigenous peoples. It is called Entwined: Freedom, Sovereignty, and the Sea and you have to go see it.

Below is my piece from the exhibit catalog-

Telling It Like It Is (and Was)

For centuries, others have told our stories in ways that made their worlds and their perspectives shine. Our communities were accessorized, a supporting cast to the greatness of others – our truths never told. Venues for art and historic displays routinely lack community authenticity and rarely represent history and culture as perceived by those who lived it. And authenticity is crucial in telling stories that accurately reflect the experiences of both Black and Indigenous communities.

In 2022, I was able to join with tribal representatives and Black & Indigenous historians and artists to work on an exhibit at the Mystic Seaport as part of the Reimagining New England Histories (RNEH) Project. RNEH is the result of a Mellon-funded grant to tell the history of the area now-called New England from the perspectives of its Black and Indigenous peoples. The committee included individuals from different tribal and Black communities to ensure diverse cultural representation. Each community represented had its own unique history, experiences, and cultural nuances. By bringing together people from various backgrounds, the committee captured a more comprehensive and unique narrative that reflects the richness of Black and Indigenous history in New England. This collaborative experience also recognized and highlighted the overlapping identities and experiences of individuals who belong to both Black and Indigenous communities. It acknowledged the complexity and diversity within our communities.

As a community member immersed in the creation process, I was empowered to share my own stories and contribute to the preservation of my peoples’ histories. That experience fostered a sense of ownership and pride for me, as I actively participated in shaping how the narratives of my communities were presented to the public. The committee was also committed to featuring cultural aspects of both the past and present showcasing the richness and resilience of Black and Indigenous cultures in New England and challenging historical narratives that marginalized or overlooked our communities. Collaborating on this project also promoted unity and cooperation between the respective communities. Creating the exhibit together demonstrated the power of coming together to celebrate shared histories while respecting and honoring individual differences.

The exhibition will be a valuable educational tool, offering visitors a chance to learn about the history, struggles, and achievements of Black and Indigenous communities in New England. It illustrates the challenges our peoples have faced and continue to face. Hopefully, it will generate understanding, empathy, and a more accurate comprehension of the vibrancy and beauty of our local Black and Indigenous communities. The diversity of exhibit committee made it possible help create a more authentic, inclusive, and comprehensive representation of Black and Indigenous history in New England. The exhibition is a true reflection of the distinct experiences and cultures within these communities, fostering understanding and appreciation among both community members and the broader public.

Aquene, Cher