Recently the Indianapolis Public Library, Central Branch unveiled its latest artistic offering, Women of a New Tribe, a traveling photographic exhibition by renowned North Carolina-based photographer Jerry Taliaferro. The exhibit, which began in 2002, is comprised of 75 black and white portraits of Black women from around the country. Inspired by the glamorous images of starlets from Hollywood’s golden era, the collection places Black women who aren’t actresses or models in the forefront – in poses exuding strength, humor, humility and beauty.
The exhibit’s creator shared with The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper that he sees each photograph added to the collection as a small piece of a growing mosaic, a spectrum of hues, perspectives and experiences. “The project will never really be finished – it just gets sharper,” said Taliaferro. “I think (the Black woman) has come to be proud of who she is and proud of her features, her hair… her place in the world. I don’t think the opinions of others matters, how she sees herself is her own business. If they can’t evolve at the same speed or widen their definition of what a beautiful woman is, then that’s their loss.”
Joining the ranks of the ever-evolving tribe are 10 Black women from Indianapolis who were chosen by the library’s African-American History Committee out of a group of 28 nominees. Among them are two military veterans, a former Recorder columnist and a grassroots civil rights activist.
Women of a New Tribe, presented by the Indy Library’s African-American History Committee in partnership with The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation and the Indianapolis Recorder, is on display from Aug. 8 – Sept. 27 at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair Street.
Deborah Asante, founder of the Asante Children’s Theatre
“I am an artist myself and it really was luxurious to be the object of someone else’s art,” she laughed. “I wish I had longer, I wish I would’ve had a whole day with him (Taliaferro).”
Trina Avery, U.S. Army veteran, neighborhood leader
“When I hear and read (Women of a New Tribe), it gives me goose bumps because when I think of a tribe, I think to a time way back in history. A time where women had to work together. Just like when they say it takes a village – I think the women of a new tribe are a group of leaders, there are rich possibilities in the roles that they take on.”
D. DelReverda-Jennings, artist, creator of URBANE D’ART KIDS
“I define my most beautiful attribute as being a composite of doer, maker, collaborator and an enabler. I am enamored with creative people and am blessed to be able to act as a messenger who brings the insight of unlimited creative possibilities to the public-at-large. Art is beautiful!”
Linda Everett, community volunteer and veteran of the Armed Forces
“I believe a woman of a new tribe is a woman of color who despite everything else, strives to do better. Despite everything that we go through we strive to do better for everybody not just ourselves.”
Ericka Gibson, co-founder of A Girl’s Gift Inc.
“Being a woman of a new tribe means being a thinker, a listener, a visionary, a planner, a risk-taker, a go-getter and a do-er. Anyone can talk about what they want, but how many of us go for it? Women of a new tribe go for it, despite life’s challenges.”
DeShong Perry-Smitherman, co-founder of A Girl’s Gift Inc.
“I’m unapologetically the nosiest person one can ever meet, but I use my powers for good. My super sleuth skills led to my first job at the Oprah Winfrey Show, my husband, my second TV news Emmy award and finding career opportunities for friends and funding for A Girl’s Gift Inc.”
Hope Hampton, founder of Indescribable Gifts, First Lady of Light of the World Christian Church
“I like to think my most beautiful attribute is my strong sense of empathy for other people. I just want to be a part of making people’s lives better.”
Thea Kelly, youth mentor, senior counsel Dow AgroSciences
“I think my attitude is my most beautiful asset. I place motherhood pretty high on my list of values. Everything I do is to be a positive reflection on my kids.”
Ethel Brewer McCane, creator of The Learning Tree Tutorial Program, former Recorder columnist
“There are so many out here that are unsung heroes, or heroines. (Taliaferro) has found a way to get in touch with those women and this project is awesome. I look at it as being a woman who is willing to take the many years of living that I’ve done and merge it in with society and what’s going on today. We are taking some of the essence of the old tribe and pulling that in to today’s society. Doing what’s needed to make things happen.”
Joyce Moore, co-founder of the Urban Patch
“One thing I most enjoyed about these photos is they are natural and untouched. One of the things we are always struggling with in America is the concept of beauty, and that’s part of what being in this new tribe is all about. Redefining the concept of what beauty really is.”
Fay Williams, civil rights advocate, chair of the Diversity Committee for Butler University’s School of Fine Arts
“I took with me two artifacts to my photo session. One was a replica of the freed men’s tree. I grew up in Texas, celebrating Juneteenth and there was a tree in the county where my father grew up that is alleged to be the place where slaves in the area first learned of their emancipation. When I was growing up as a little girl people would make pilgrimages to this tree.”
