Historic Art Restitution and Uncovering Black History

A powerful moment in American history recently unfolded, seeing the descendants of an enslaved potter reclaim his priceless works. This landmark restitution case is prompting wider conversations about neglected narratives and the rich, diverse tapestry of Black history that often remains untold in traditional education. For St. Louis and communities everywhere, understanding these stories is crucial for a complete view of our shared past.

Reclaiming a Legacy: Dave the Potter’s Works Return Home

The family of David Drake, famously known as “Dave the Potter,” has achieved a historic milestone: the return of two rare stoneware jars he crafted in South Carolina before the Civil War. This is recognized by experts as the first major U.S. art restitution case involving works created by an enslaved person. For Daisy Whitner, a descendant, touching the clay inside a jar evoked a profound connection to her ancestor, feeling his tears and sweat in the artifact.

The agreement between Drake’s descendants and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, one of the institutions holding his work, represents more than just a physical transfer. Yaba Baker, Drake’s fourth-generation grandson, described it as “spiritual restoration.” Many Black families struggle to trace their ancestry past a few generations due to the systemic denial of personhood and documentation under slavery. Recovering Drake’s work offers them a tangible piece of their family’s continuity and identity.

Dave the Potter: A Voice of Defiance

Born into slavery, David Drake defied oppressive laws by not only signing many of his hundreds of surviving jars but also inscribing them with rhyming couplets. This act of authorship and literacy was extraordinary, asserting his humanity and artistry during an era when teaching enslaved people to read and write was criminalized. His poetry often reflected Christian themes, but as he aged, it explored his experiences of enslavement, including the poignant line from a 1857 jar: “I wonder where is all my relation / Friendship to all – and every nation.” This question, echoing across nearly two centuries, has now found a partial answer in the descendants’ reunion with his art.

After the museum returned the pots, the family decided to sell one back to the MFA Boston and lease the other, ensuring that the wider public can continue to learn from Dave’s enduring legacy. This decision underscores their desire for his story to inspire and educate, rather than be hidden away.

Beyond the Textbooks: Uncovering Black Historical Figures

The conversation around Dave the Potter’s restitution also highlights a broader need for more inclusive historical education. While foundational figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman are rightfully celebrated, countless other Black trailblazers remain largely absent from mainstream school curricula. Efforts to expand Black history education are often met with resistance, with some states proposing or enacting measures to limit race-related discussions and ban books by Black authors focusing on race.

These actions, often framed around controversies like Critical Race Theory, are viewed by many as part of a cycle of anxiety and fear about a changing world. Critical Race Theory, an academic concept over 40 years old, examines how systemic racism impacts U.S. laws and society, asserting that racism is a social construct upheld by power structures. Despite the pushback, many educators and communities are actively seeking to illuminate the full spectrum of African American contributions.

Spotlighting Overlooked Trailblazers

Here are just a few of the groundbreaking Black historical figures whose stories are essential to understanding American history:

The Ongoing Fight for Inclusive Education

The push for a more robust Black history curriculum is a crucial part of ensuring that all students understand the full scope of American history. It’s about recognizing that Black history isn’t separate from American history, but an integral part of it that enriches us all. Despite the challenges, educators, students, and communities continue to advocate for teaching and celebrating the diverse accomplishments of African Americans.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the significance of the David Drake restitution case?
  It is considered the first major U.S. art restitution case involving works created by an enslaved person, setting a precedent for addressing historical injustices in cultural heritage.
• Why was David Drake’s pottery unique?
  Drake signed his work and inscribed it with poetry, an act of defiance given that literacy was prohibited for enslaved people, asserting his identity and artistry.
• What challenges do Black history curricula face today?
  Despite a growing desire for broader representation, many states are introducing legislation to limit race-related language and ban books focusing on race in public schools.
• How does this discussion relate to Critical Race Theory?
  Many efforts to limit discussions on race in schools are linked to controversies surrounding Critical Race Theory, an academic framework that examines systemic racism’s impact on U.S. laws and society.
• Why is learning about overlooked Black historical figures important for communities like St. Louis?
  It provides a more complete, nuanced understanding of American history, fosters a stronger sense of identity and belonging for diverse populations, and inspires future generations by showcasing resilience, innovation, and leadership.

For St. Louis residents, embracing these comprehensive historical narratives means enriching our understanding of our local and national heritage, fostering a more informed and equitable community for everyone.

Historic Art Restitution Reclaims Black History