Everyday Defiance: How a Brown University Alumna Captures Black Resistance Through Art
"Living While Black" will be on display at the First Unitarian Church of Providence beginning with an artist talk on May 4.
“Protesting While Black,” one of a series of forty illustrations by artist Ajuan Mance on display at the First Unitarian Church of Providence beginning May 4. (Image courtesy of Ajuan Mance)
In 2020, as protesters took to the streets following the murder of George Floyd, Ajuan Mance pondered her response. The Brown University alumna was eager to join the protests but worried about immunocompromised family members amid the spread of COVID-19. Instead, she turned to art.
“I started looking up the different infractions for which Black people had been harassed by civilians or arrested or even killed, and I started drawing people doing those activities,” she says.
The result was Living While Black: Portraits of Everyday Resistance, a 2022 book and exhibit on display beginning May 4 at the First Unitarian Church of Providence. In forty colorful illustrations, Mance depicts Black individuals going about their daily lives, a theme she says her audience found very affirming.
“The idea of people approaching them, accusing them of doing something wrong, being in the wrong place — that felt very relatable for a lot of readers,” she says.
Ajuan Mance (Photo by Cassandra Falby)
After graduating from Brown in 1988, Mance pursued her doctoral degree and moved to California, where she teaches English at Mills College at Northeastern University. But art has always been a true calling, one she has pursued through several volumes of art, comics and illustration.
“I use art to ask questions and explore dynamics around race and power that I can’t really explore using traditional academic means,” she says. “It’s become another way for me to inquire about the world, observe and explore.”
Mance will speak at an artist talk and opening reception on Saturday, May 4, at 5 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Providence. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.
On Sunday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m., Mance will offer a separate presentation for elementary school youth and teens while adults attend regular services. The presentation will focus on Mance’s latest book, What Do Brothas Do All Day?, published for children last year. Visiting families are welcome, and the exhibit can be viewed during coffee hour after services.
“Living While Black” will remain on display every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through June 30. Visitors may also view the exhibit Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are asked to call ahead at 421-7970.
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