These photographs, along with written narratives and visual materials from Rose Library’s book and manuscript collections, supply critical counter-narratives to the well-known “mammy” stereotype and emphasize the undeniable humanity of each of the individuals shown. By looking at these portraits closely, we can tease out new insights into what is, perhaps, the most complex inter-racial relationship in American life.
It’s too bad that you’ve not been able to make a virtual visitation of that exhibit because I find it extremely interesting and very personal. I was raised in the 60s with a nanny who iwas African-American who was actually very important as a mother figure to me. Having gone to Emory at Oxford the exhibit really interested me and I wish I could have seen it but the pandemic did not allow that to be so.
Erika, thanks for your interest! This exhibit has sparked so many personal stories from visitors and we love hearing them! You’ll be happy to know that there is a virtual visitation of Framing Shadows created by Emory Libraries. If you scroll down on the page you can view the portraits in detail, the materials included in cases, and interviews with Dr. Wallace-Sanders and other resources. Happy exploring!