Discover the Stories Behind the Collections

Historical Contexts

Martha Washington

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was born into Virginia's privileged society in 1731. Her life was intertwined with the institution of slavery, as she inherited 84 enslaved individuals from her first husband, Daniel Parke Custis. Upon marrying George Washington in 1759, Martha brought many of these individuals to Mount Vernon. The enslaved people were legally bound to the Custis estate and could not be freed, even after Martha's death, and were passed down to Custis heirs. Martha expressed displeasure when one of her enslaved individuals, Ona Judge, escaped to New Hampshire, highlighting her complicity in the perpetuation of slavery.

---

Langston Hughes

Born February 1, 1902 – Died May 22, 1967
Langston Hughes was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a movement celebrating Black culture and creativity in the 1920s and 1930s. Hughes’ work, including poetry, essays, and plays, highlighted the beauty, struggle, and resilience of African Americans. His famous works, such as The Negro Speaks of Rivers and I, Too, Sing America, shed light on racial inequalities while celebrating the enduring spirit of Black people.

---

Frederick Douglass

Born February 14, 1818 – Died February 20, 1895
Frederick Douglass was an escaped slave who became a renowned abolitionist, writer, and speaker. His autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, provides a vivid account of the brutality of slavery. Douglass advocated for the rights of Black Americans and women, delivering powerful speeches that continue to inspire movements for equality and justice.

---

Kwame Ture (formerly Stokely Carmichael)

Born June 29, 1941 – Died November 15, 1998
Kwame Ture was a prominent civil rights activist and Pan-Africanist who coined the phrase "Black Power." As a leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and later a member of the Black Panther Party, he advocated for self-determination and empowerment for African Americans. Ture’s later years were devoted to Pan-Africanism, urging unity across the African diaspora.

---

The Solomonic Dynasty

The Solomonic Dynasty, rooted in Ethiopian history, claimed descent from King Solomon of Israel and the Queen of Sheba, forming the foundation of Ethiopian royal lineage. Leaders like Emperor Menelik II, Ras Makonnen, and Emperor Haile Selassie I (Ras Tafari) played pivotal roles in resisting colonialism and shaping Ethiopia’s modern history. The dynasty symbolizes resilience, African sovereignty, and the enduring legacy of the Lion of Judah.

1. Menelik II
   Menelik II (1844–1913) was the Emperor of Ethiopia who led his country to a historic victory against Italian colonizers in the Battle of Adwa (1896). His leadership ensured Ethiopia's status as an independent African nation during the Scramble for Africa.

2. Ras Makonnen
   Ras Makonnen (1852–1906), the father of Haile Selassie I, was a prominent Ethiopian military leader and diplomat. He played a significant role in maintaining Ethiopia’s sovereignty through alliances and negotiations.

3. Haile Selassie I (Ras Tafari)
   Haile Selassie I (1892–1975) was Ethiopia’s last emperor and a central figure in the Rastafarian movement. Known for his speech at the League of Nations condemning fascism, Selassie became a symbol of resistance and African unity.

---

Veve Symbols

Overview:
Veve symbols are sacred designs in Haitian Vodou, serving as spiritual signatures for the loa ( spirits). These intricate symbols are drawn during ceremonies to invite and guide the presence of loa, connecting the physical and spiritual realms. Rooted in African spirituality, Veve symbols reflect the resilience and creativity of enslaved Africans who preserved their traditions in the Americas.

Key Veve Symbols:

1. Papa Legba

   • Significance: The loa of crossroads and communication, Papa Legba grants access to the spirit world.
   • Symbol Description: A cross or geometric shapes representing crossroads and connection.

2. Erzulie Freda

   • Significance: The loa of love, beauty, and femininity, symbolizing romance and emotional depth.
   • Symbol Description: Hearts or floral designs representing love and prosperity.

3. Baron Samedi

   • Significance: The loa of death, fertility, and transformation, serving as a guardian of the dead.
   • Symbol Description: Crosses, coffins, or skull motifs.

4. Ogoun

   • Significance: The loa of war and technology, representing strength and resilience.
   • Symbol Description: Weapons, iron tools, or strong geometric patterns.

---

Adinkra Symbols

Overview:
Adinkra symbols originate from the Akan people of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. They visually express philosophical concepts, traditional wisdom, and cultural values, often appearing on textiles, pottery, and architecture. Each symbol carries deep meaning, serving as a bridge to Akan heritage.

Key Adinkra Symbols:

1. Duafe (Wooden Comb)

   • Meaning: Cleanliness, feminine virtues, and nurturing.
   • Symbol Description: A stylized wooden comb symbolizing love and care.

2. Eban (Fence)

   • Meaning: Safety, security, and home as a sanctuary.
   • Symbol Description: A rectangular enclosure resembling a protective fence.

3. Gye Nyame (Except God)

   • Meaning: Supremacy of God, emphasizing divine power and protection.
   • Symbol Description: A circular motif symbolizing infinity and God’s omnipresence.

4. Eban Nkasa (Silence)

   • Meaning: Wisdom, reflection, and the power of listening.
   • Symbol Description: Parallel lines symbolizing restraint and thoughtful action.

---

The Montgomery Riverboat Brawl (August 5, 2023)

Historical Context:
The Montgomery Riverboat Brawl became a viral symbol of resistance and community solidarity in the face of injustice. The event unfolded when dockworkers were attacked for asking a group of boaters to move their vessel. The response from bystanders, particularly the act of defense by other Black individuals, highlighted themes of standing together against oppression. This event reignited conversations about systemic racism, community support, and modern-day civil rights struggles.

---

Nat Turner (1800–1831)

Historical Context:
Nat Turner was an enslaved African who led one of the most significant slave revolts in American history. In 1831, Turner and his followers rebelled in Southampton County, Virginia, killing dozens of slave owners and their families. Though the rebellion was suppressed, it sent shockwaves through the South and fueled debates over slavery, eventually intensifying the abolitionist movement. Turner’s courage and defiance embody the fight against oppression, though his story remains a point of contention in American history.

---

Harriet Tubman (1822–1913)

Historical Context:
Harriet Tubman, often referred to as "Moses," was a former enslaved African who became one of the most famous "conductors" of the Underground Railroad. She led dozens of enslaved individuals to freedom, risking her life each time. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army, becoming the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the Combahee River Raid, which freed over 700 enslaved people. Tubman’s unwavering courage and commitment to justice remain a symbol of resilience and empowerment.

---

Sojourner Truth (1797–1883)

Historical Context:
Born into slavery in New York, Sojourner Truth escaped to freedom and became a prominent abolitionist and women’s rights activist. Known for her powerful speeches, Truth's most famous address, "Ain't I a Woman?" challenged prevailing notions of racial and gender inequality. Her advocacy for intersectionality in human rights movements made her a trailblazer in both abolition and feminism, and her legacy endures as an icon of justice and equality.

---

Assata Shakur

Born July 16, 1947
Assata Shakur, a former member of the Black Liberation Army, was a political activist who became a symbol of resistance against systemic oppression. After being convicted of controversial charges and escaping prison, she sought asylum in Cuba, where she continues to advocate for justice and equality.

---

Angela Davis

Born January 26, 1944
Angela Davis is a scholar, activist, and revolutionary known for her work in civil rights, prison reform, and feminist movements. A former member of the Black Panther Party, Davis has spent decades advocating for systemic change and remains a prominent voice for justice.

---

Rebecca Latimer Felton

Born June 10, 1835 – Died January 24, 1930
Rebecca Latimer Felton was a suffragist and the first woman to serve in the United States Senate, albeit for only one day. Despite her advocacy for women’s rights, Felton perpetuated white supremacy and supported the continued oppression of African Americans, illustrating the complexities of her legacy.

---

Lady Freedom Fighters

1. Queen Nanny of the Maroons
   A leader of the Jamaican Maroons, Queen Nanny led resistance against British colonial forces, using guerrilla warfare tactics to secure freedom for escaped slaves.

2. Harriet Tubman
   Known as a freedom fighter, Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad and her role during the Civil War exemplified defiance against slavery.

3. Sojourner Truth
   Truth’s speeches and activism cemented her place as a critical figure in both abolitionist and women’s rights movements.

4. Assata Shakur
   Shakur’s work with the Black Liberation Army and her ongoing advocacy reflect a modern-day extension of freedom fighting.

---

 

Malcolm X (1925–1965)

Historical Context:
Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was a transformative leader and revolutionary figure in the struggle for Black liberation. Raised in a racially hostile environment, he turned to activism after a period of incarceration, during which he joined the Nation of Islam. His fiery rhetoric and unapologetic stance on self-defense and Black pride resonated with millions.

In 1964, Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam and founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity, which focused on Pan-Africanism and human rights. His pilgrimage to Mecca shifted his perspective, broadening his vision to include solidarity among all oppressed people, regardless of race. Assassinated in 1965, his legacy endures as a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and justice.

---

The Solomonic Dynasty

The Solomonic Dynasty of Ethiopia, believed to trace its lineage back to the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, is one of Africa’s most enduring royal legacies. Revered for its connection to ancient traditions and its symbolic leadership, the dynasty has been instrumental in shaping Ethiopia's history and global perception. The dynasty represents resilience, sovereignty, and spiritual authority, embodied by key figures like Makonnen Wolde Mikael, Menelik II, and Haile Selassie I.

---

Makonnen Wolde Mikael (1852–1906)

Historical Context:
Makonnen Wolde Mikael was an Ethiopian general and governor, as well as the father of Emperor Haile Selassie I. A close ally and trusted advisor to Emperor Menelik II, Makonnen played a critical role in the modernization of Ethiopia and its resistance to colonial forces. As the Governor of Harar, he worked to establish trade relations and consolidate Ethiopian sovereignty. Makonnen's legacy is marked by his diplomatic skill, military leadership, and dedication to Ethiopia’s independence.

---

Menelik II (1844–1913)

Historical Context:
Emperor Menelik II is celebrated as one of Ethiopia’s greatest leaders. Known for his strategic brilliance, Menelik united Ethiopia and led the country to victory against Italian forces in the Battle of Adwa (1896), securing Ethiopia's status as an independent nation during the era of colonial expansion in Africa. His reign was marked by modernization efforts, including the introduction of railways, telecommunications, and public education. Menelik II remains a symbol of African resistance and sovereignty.

---

Haile Selassie I (Ras Tafari) (1892–1975)

Historical Context:
Born Tafari Makonnen, Haile Selassie I was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930 and is one of the most prominent figures in African history. He championed Ethiopian independence and became a global symbol of anti-colonialism and Pan-Africanism. His speech to the League of Nations in 1936, during Italy's invasion of Ethiopia, called for international solidarity against fascism.

Haile Selassie is also regarded as a messianic figure in Rastafarianism, where he symbolizes liberation and spiritual redemption. His contributions to the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) further solidify his legacy as a leader of Pan-Africanism and global unity.

---

 

Queen Nanny of the Maroons (c. 1686–1733)

Historical Context:
Queen Nanny, a spiritual leader and warrior, led the Jamaican Maroons in their resistance against British colonizers during the 18th century. A revered figure in Jamaican history, she used guerrilla warfare tactics to defend her people and maintain their freedom. Queen Nanny remains a symbol of resilience, freedom, and the fight against oppression, celebrated as a national hero in Jamaica.

Yuri Kochiyama (1921–2014)

Historical Context:
Yuri Kochiyama was a Japanese-American civil rights activist whose experiences in internment camps during World War II shaped her lifelong fight for justice. A close ally of Malcolm X, Kochiyama advocated for Black liberation, Asian-American rights, and global solidarity against imperialism. Her work bridged communities, showing the power of unity across racial and cultural lines in the fight against oppression. Kochiyama’s legacy highlights the importance of collective resistance and allyship.

Thomas Thistlewood (1721–1786)

Historical Context:
Thomas Thistlewood was a British plantation overseer in Jamaica whose diary remains a chilling record of the extreme violence and dehumanization inflicted upon enslaved Africans. Thistlewood meticulously documented his acts of cruelty, including regular sexual assault and sadistic punishments.

• Cruelty:
  Thistlewood is infamous for the punishment he called "Derby's Dose," in which he forced other enslaved individuals to defecate into the mouth of someone being punished, who was then gagged to prevent them from spitting it out. His diary reveals a staggering number of sexual assaults and physical abuse, showcasing the everyday horrors faced by the enslaved under his control.

---

Martha Washington (1731–1802)

Historical Context:
Martha Washington, the first First Lady of the United States, was deeply complicit in slavery. She inherited 84 enslaved people through her first marriage and brought them to Mount Vernon when she married George Washington. Even after her husband’s death, Martha resisted freeing the enslaved individuals under her control.

• Cruelty:
  Martha's resistance to abolition extended to the treatment of Ona Judge, a young woman enslaved by the Washingtons, who escaped to freedom. Martha attempted to recapture Ona, demonstrating her belief in her ownership over other human beings. Martha's refusal to act against the system of slavery allowed generations of cruelty to persist.

---

James Henry Hammond (1807–1864)

Historical Context:
James Henry Hammond was a South Carolina politician, plantation owner, and one of the most vocal defenders of slavery. He is infamous for his "Cotton is King" speech and his brutal treatment of enslaved people on his plantations.

• Cruelty:
  Hammond frequently exploited enslaved women and fathered children with them, only to enslave his own offspring. His plantation was a site of unimaginable suffering, where he wielded unchecked power over hundreds of people, subjecting them to physical violence and psychological torment.

---

Rebecca Latimer Felton (1835–1930)

Historical Context:
Rebecca Latimer Felton was a suffragist and the first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, yet she was also a staunch white supremacist who advocated for racial violence and the continued subjugation of Black people.

• Cruelty:
  Felton openly supported lynching as a means of controlling Black communities. Her words fueled violence and perpetuated terror for generations. Her advocacy for systemic oppression starkly contrasts with her legacy as a feminist pioneer.

---

The Practice of Buck Breaking

Historical Context:
"Buck breaking" was a term used to describe the systematic sexual assault of enslaved men by plantation owners and overseers. This form of violence was intended to emasculate and humiliate enslaved men while instilling fear in the wider community.

• Cruelty:
  Plantation owners used buck breaking as a tool of control, stripping enslaved men of their dignity and using their suffering as a warning to others. The practice underscores the horrifying depths of dehumanization inherent in slavery.

---

Heads on Spikes

Historical Context:
Enslavers and colonial forces often placed the severed heads of rebellious enslaved individuals on spikes as a gruesome warning to others. This practice was common in the Americas and the Caribbean, particularly during slave uprisings.

• Cruelty:
  This form of violence was not only meant to punish those who resisted but also to terrorize entire communities. Heads of rebel leaders like Nat Turner and maroons in Jamaica were displayed as grotesque symbols of power and control, leaving a lasting scar on history.

---

Retribution and Remembrance

This collection serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed against enslaved people and the resilience of those who endured unimaginable suffering. By highlighting these stories, the Retribution Collection demands accountability for historical injustices while honoring the strength of the ancestors who survived and resisted.

---