By leveraging the specific lens of Black statues in Washington DC public architecture, I aim to unpack the historical meaning of public symbols hidden in plain sight. More than mere "art in the park," Black statues are powerful and poignant public displays of political power. In my paper, I propose to explore what the presence of Black statues (or the lack thereof) in the United States capital city of Washington, D.C. says about whiteness as ideal. With respect to the (mis)representation of group identities (as well as the maintenance of collective memories and/or traumas within their symbolic spaces), the exclusion and marginalization of certain social groups or individuals from public art spaces merits analysis. This paper analyzes the public display of Black iconography and its supportive messaging of Whiteness specifically through the lens of openly displayed, “permanent” Black statue figures (including memorials and monuments) in D.C. Thus, given the involved and intricate history of African Americans in the U.S., it is revealing to analyze Black statues ironically as political tools evidencing and legitimating whiteness. Especially in light of recent Confederate statue removals, Black statues in D.C. inform us about the value and visibility of African Americans publicly, symbolically and in reflection of ideal whiteness messaging, hidden in plain sight.

Authors:
Frederick Gooding, Jr., Texas Christian University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Frederick Gooding, Jr. is currently Associate Professor of African American Studies and Dr. Ronald E. Moore Endowed Chair of Humanities at Texas Christian University.

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