A Journey Through Time and Resilience
Honoring Our Ancestors, Celebrating Our Legacy
Explore the powerful images of resistance and freedom that connect us to our past and inspire our future.
A Visual Tribute to Our Heritage
We Are Because They Were
Haitian Revolution
This figure represents the Haitian Revolution, paying tribute to Haitian ancestors who burned plantations—including sugar cane fields—as acts of defiance against white colonial powers in their fight for freedom.
Daily Resistance
This figure embodies the often unseen resistance of those who remained—enduring daily life under brutal conditions imposed by enslavers, including forced labor, enforced silence, and physical and sexual abuse.
Escape / Tubman
The final figure represents escape as resistance, depicting a man looking forward toward a future of freedom, prosperity, and hope for himself and future generations. Above him, a barred owl symbolizes Harriet Tubman, who is said to have used its call as a signal of safety along the Underground Railroad.
Reflecting on Our Past
A Tribute to Strength and Survival
The piece, titled “We Are Because They Were,” depicts three figures, each holding a length of fabric that symbolizes a bridge across time. Within these fabrics are scenes of resistance that honor the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of those who came before us.
This piece is both a tribute and a celebration of our ancestors, honoring their courage and sacrifices while acknowledging the legacy they have passed down.
The Artist: Blondine Jean-Packard
Inspiration
In the Artist's Own Words
I was commissioned by Darlene McDonald to create a piece that connects us with our ancestors who were enslaved, in alignment with the mission of The Selma Institute: “to build a bridge to the past to ensure the narratives of our ancestors are remembered.” We explored many ways to illustrate this connection and reviewed several drafts. The image of dancers holding fabric bearing the likeness of our ancestors resonated most deeply with us. Although we considered other directions, we kept returning to this narrative—perhaps because dance has long been a form of expression and freedom within our community. While it was once used against our ancestors, who were forced to sing, dance, and play instruments for the entertainment of others, it has since become one of the many ways we reclaim autonomy and express ourselves—freedoms made possible by those who came before us.
In creating this painting, I was also inspired by the work of Heitor dos Prazeres, a renowned Black Brazilian composer, singer, painter, and pioneer of samba. I admire his use of bold, vibrant colors and his depictions of people dancing and children at play. Before his passing in 1966, he left behind a legacy of artwork filled with joy and movement.
It is my hope that this painting resonates with others as deeply as it has with me and serves as a reminder of the strength, survival, and resilience that continue to live within us.
All artwork displayed in this gallery is owned by Selma Institute and protected by United States copyright law. No artwork may be reproduced, downloaded, printed, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written authorization from Selma Institute.
Join Our Mission
We invite you to delve deeper into the Selma Institute's mission and explore the rich tapestry of stories that define our heritage. Engage with our artwork and join us in preserving the narratives of our ancestors. Together, we can ensure their legacy continues to inspire future generations.