This year marks the 40th anniversary of the History of Black Writing, a research center at the University of Kansas that specializes in the recovery and preservation of texts by Black writers. This exhibition extends the goals of the project’s archive of Black storytellers to include art and visual culture. Featured works by contemporary artists incorporate literature, lyrics, family lore, writing, and reading. From history and cultural erasure to songs and words of empowerment, Black Writing explores the power, politics, and complexities of language in contemporary Black culture.

This exhibition and related programming are funded by the Mellon Foundation, the Linda Inman Bailey Exhibitions Fund, and an anonymous donor.