In honor of Juneteenth, we again look at a work by Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000). Jacob Lawrence was born in New Jersey and received his art education at the Pratt institute. He gained acclaim as a painter and later in his life became a professor at the University of Washington. Lawrence is known for his high color contrast and “dynamic cubism,” his term for the simplified shapes in his work. He credited Harlem and its Renaissance with his artistic inspiration.

In this piece done in primary and complimentary colors, Lawrence shows determined readers in an overcrowded library in obvious disarray. Slavery echoes through this precious, chaotic scene. It shows how slavery continued in the guise of segregation. Lawrence documents in The Library, the lived truth of separate but not equal, a reality denied in segregation promotion and rhetoric. We can imagine the effects of this study environment even as the children pictured are trying to find to a better life. Maybe they don’t yet realize that many are intent on blocking such dreams.

This work is a lesson in systemic racism painted by a master for us as white Americans. It shows slavery by another name in another time and place. This is a complicated burden for us to carry on Juneteenth. Facing our history and present is long overdue. God, please help us see more clearly. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church