Visitor Quotes

“At the REPOSSESSIONS exhibit, I felt like I witnessed reparations take shape not as currency, but as healing—through gifted ephemera transformed by artists into vessels of memory and personal meaning. Their work showed me that true reparations ideally go beyond economics; they reach the heart and soul—both for the artists and for those lucky enough to experience their work in person.”

“When I attended the exhibition and panel discussion REPOSSESSIONS, I was knocked out by the transformation of documents that have always made me flinch with shame about the history of my country and my family. Rather than the usual wince and heartbreak, what I experienced was power, what I beheld was beauty and imagination - and those three things together are exactly what I need to fuel my own reparative practice and course of action - as well as Black visionaries like the artists in REPOSSESSIONS to support and whose lead and vision to get behind. I am profoundly grateful to them for their work and to the organizers for this critically important project.”

“The Q&A afterwards, particularly the last question asked by Lava Thomas, moved me.  That experience prompted a lengthy conversation with my friend Kimberly that left me feeling, realistically white folks, like myself, having not lived the experience of being black in America, will always struggle to truly understand.  Realistically, I don't think there is any possible way to truly empathize without experiencing something first hand.  Therefore, I hope exhibits like this provide space for the artists to express the experience of working with these pieces and describe the emotions (I would think conflicting) that manifest while attempting to turn it into an art piece they are willing to display with their name.  Rage is something that if I understand accurately what I heard, does not go away, it simmers.  I hope exhibits like this and hearing from the artists create space for black Americans to share their experiences and for white Americans to listen.”  

“Visiting Repossessions was such a powerful experience. While the history behind the original pieces evoked deep and painful emotions, the artistic reclaiming of power and meaning by Black artists was incredibly heartwarming and empowering. From the start, walking into the California African American Museum and seeing the massive mural was breathtaking. I also really enjoyed exploring the other exhibits, but Repossessions was absolutely unforgettable.

I was nearly brought to tears by the notebook listing the ages and prices of enslaved individuals. I felt such anger at the brutality of the past, but also immense pride in the artists, and in those who made this happen, for taking these artifacts and transforming them into something meaningful. It was amazing to see the diverse ways artists reclaimed power through their work: from fire, water, and Sankofa birds, to poetry, anatomical schematics, and futuristic collages. The exhibit truly amazed me.

It was an incredible opportunity, and I’ll definitely be going back with friends in the future!”