Black men in Klansman hoods. Shell casings. Body tags. These shocking elements are all part of the “Kin Killin’ Kin” exhibit at the Central Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library, and the vision of African-American artist James Pate.
“The concept of using art to compare Black-on-Black terrorism to the terrorism of the Ku Klux Klan came from conversations among us in the Black community,” said Pate. “It is often said that (Blacks) are doing the business of the KKK. I was moved to use art as a means of illustrating this tragedy.”
The national traveling exhibit is the centerpiece of The Indianapolis Public Library’s two-month “Stand4Peace” initiative that encourages individuals of all ages, especially youth and community leaders, to engage in dialogue toward finding solutions to Black-on-Black crime.
“Kin Killin’ Kin” opened in August, and remains on display through Sept. 28 at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
Here are some comments from visitors of the exhibit:
“Incredibly powerful exhibit. Although I’m personally against guns, I believe guns are only a medium to the REAL societal issues. In the U.S., African-Americans are just or unjustly portrayed as the race behind the gun violence. In reality, though, any race below the poverty line is capable of gun violence. People, stay up, keep fighting the good fight. Love one another.” – Dunk
“Fantastic exhibit! So powerful! It hurts my heart and almost brings me to tears that this is hitting so close to home. The fact that I’ve lost a friend to this is terrible. People need to see this and realize that we as Blacks have set ourselves back. Granted, this isn’t our only problem, but this violence isn’t helping.” – Allyson
“Thank you James Pate for captivating the self-destruction of our community with your God-given gift. I wasn’t allured by just one of your KKK pieces but all of them. Your exhibit depicts the ongoing struggle and dehumanization we inflict on each other. I can see the details in your drawings. You have captured the emotions, the beauty, the history, the hurt and confusion in their eyes. You did not hesitate once you picked up your charcoal. I enjoyed every detail.” – Sam
“The exhibit further causes me to think that Blacks in general still haven’t figured out how to play this chess game. We’re caught up in racist, oppressive America. We have fed into the negative stereotypes as well as self-hate. I really hope me and some friends can create change and uplift our community. We HAVE to or else we will die.” – Big Tyme
“The only one who can put an end to the violence is us. (We should) learn what started the problem and learn more about our history, who we really are. Churches, police, or the state don’t have the answers.” – Unknown
