African-American Flag, an artwork recently placed at the center of the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s ongoing exhibition Reckoning: Protest. Defiance. Resilience., challenges viewers to look at the American flag anew.
One of artist David Hammons’ most iconic works, the flag borrows from the “Pan-African Flag” created in 1920 by Marcus Garvey under the auspices of the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Hammons’ use of the colors of Garvey’s flag calls attention to African American pride as well as a nation where Black people saw little validation of their contributions to history, culture and society.
The flag also reflects a pivotal moment in time: The piece’s creation in 1990 coincided with the release of Nelson Mandela and the election of the first Black mayor of New York City.
“African-American Flag represents a celebration of liberty and remembrance of freedom denied,” said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the museum. “While combining the elements of the pan-African and American flags, Hammons emblemizes the promise of freedom and the paradox of liberty for Black Americans through this powerful and influential artwork.”
Published Fall 2023 in IMPACT Vol. 9. No 3
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