Where did the idea come from?

We were commissioned to create a piece of art that gives an account of America’s history of slavery, originally as a tattoo to go around someone’s wrist. This graphic tattoo is a timeline that highlights key points in Slavery of the African Diaspora in America. A timeline that is too very often dismissed and disregarded.

What does “But Slavery was So Long Ago” mean?

We’ve heard this quote over and over throughout the course of modern American history. In an attempt to urge Black people to “move on” and to recognize just how good they have it in America, this dismissive and tone-deaf statement attempts to transform relatively recent history into ancient history or myth.

However, when looking at this graphic, it is very clear that American slavery and segregation was not so long ago. In fact, it is still possible to have conversations with many African Americans who have vivid memories of Jim Crow South and the racist and subversive practices in the North.

America cannot escape its past; which spills into its present. This country’s history is stained with the blood of millions and its foundation built on the backs of enslaved men, women and children. America’s complete history cannot be told without including the horrors of slavery and its long-lasting effects.

The enslavement of African peoples by Europeans began in 1441 with Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal. However, because this tattoo is specific to the enslavement of the African Diaspora in America and because it includes American segregation, we felt that it did not make sense to include a full timeline of the entire diaspora.

For this graphic tattoo, here’s what we included:

1526 : Slavery in the continental Americas begins with the arrival of 100 Africans in July, at the settlement of San Miguel de Guadalupe. Joining with the local Guale First Nation, the enslaved Africans rebelled and escaped into the forests with the tribe. The settlement was abandoned.

: Slavery in the continental Americas begins with the arrival of 100 Africans in July, at the settlement of San Miguel de Guadalupe. Joining with the local Guale First Nation, the enslaved Africans rebelled and escaped into the forests with the tribe. The settlement was abandoned. 1865 : Emancipation begins, slavery is abolished in the United States of America.

: Emancipation begins, slavery is abolished in the United States of America. 1954: Desegregation begins, as the Supreme Court Declares School Segregation Unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education.

Why those dates?

The dates were chosen as landmarks for when the law changed. It’s to serve as a reminder that slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation were all perfectly legal. Just because something is the law does not make it right.

Why did you make this?

We believe that history is important and that all Americans, Black and white, have the responsibility to make sure that history is not forgotten. It’s only by recognizing our past and doing the work to make reparations that we can truly move forward.

Why were these colours chosen?

The colours; Red, Black, Yellow, and Green, are colours used in PanAfrican symbolism and design. As the client is an African American, we wanted to represent that history and culture in the colours themselves as they wrap around the wrist.

There are DOZENS of things that could be added. Because it’s a simple design, there is only so much we can add. But that is exactly why the green area is untitled. Green doesn’t necessarily mean good. The untitled green area recognizes that full equality for African American people still has yet to be fully realized. When it comes down to it, people are STILL fighting for equality; whether it’s for city services, fair treatment by police, education, or wages. Institutional racism is a major problem still and the green portion encompasses that.

To suggest that an entire community of people forget the stain of slavery and its adverse effects is a selfish attempt to absolve this country of its sins. That is why we are happy to create pieces like this graphic tattoo because these pieces help to keep this country accountable for its legacy of slavery. Without looking backward and acknowledging the horrific past, we cannot fully move forward.

It is up to us to determine how the last segment will be remembered.

Can I get this as a shirt?

You bet, and as posters, stickers, and bookmarks!

If you are a teacher or educator, let us know, and 50% of your order will be refunded to you.

The shirts are 100% cotton, come in Black and White, range in sizes from Small to 2XL, and are printed by Black-owned printers in the Baltimore area.

This graph can also be seen in the following publications: