A
vivid portrait collection of past and present Americans speaking
truth to powerThe first volume of Robert Shetterly's Americans Who Tell the
Truth portrait series, Portraits of Racial Justice takes a
multimedia, interdisciplinary approach, blending art and history with
today’s issues concerning social, environmental, and economic
fairness. Shetterly's paintings, as well as profiles of those
portrayed, illuminate a community of people not only willing to
recognize the shortcomings of America’s history, but most
importantly, individuals who offer their visions of a better world
moving forward.
Starting with Michelle Alexander and ending with Dave Zirin, the
diverse array of fifty full-color portraits spans multiple
generations and struggles. This volume also includes four original
opening essays on racial justice in the United States by Ai-jen Poo,
Dave Zirin, Sherri Mitchell, and Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., which
provide an intersectional response to the long-term goal of diversity
and inclusion.As Shetterly says, “without activism, hope is merely
sentimental.” Portraits of Racial Justice, Shetterly’s
homage to transformative game-changers and status-quo fighters,
provides the inspiration necessary to spark social change.
