“Rise and Shine” African-American Texans 1820-21st Century

The Houston International Festival’s theme “Out of Africa: The Three Journeys” celebrates the history of African peoples and their contributions to the world. The exhibit “Rise and Shine: African American Texans 1820-21st Century” displays artifacts and artwork that show how slaves relied on their strong sense of family and spirituality to endure the cruelty that came before and after freedom. Bills of sale refer to people as if they were mules, indentured servant contracts expose the desperation of workers who had no choice but to sign them, and pictures of slave life on the Levi Jordan Plantation put a face on the plight. These artifacts are juxtaposed with African-American artwork that shows how blacks in America were able to keep their culture and their spirits alive during one of our nation’s most difficult eras. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Through May 18. Central Library — Julia Ideson Building, 500 McKinney. For information, call 713–654–8808 or visit www.ifest.org. Free.

Mondays-Saturdays. Starts: April 18. Continues through May 18, 2008

This article appears in Apr 17-23, 2008.