Unprotected Strength: Bound, Free, and Last

“Bit by bit, 124 and in the Clearing, along with others, she had claimed herself. Freeing yourself was one thing; claiming ownership of that freed self was another.”

-Chapter 9, Beloved, Toni Morrison

This quote from one of the seminal works centering Black womanhood asks us to consider how the past influences the present. In this way, this piece engages the audience in a symbol of Black womanhood and girlhood. The outside of the bonnet is covered in chain link to represent the concept of silent strength that is passed one from one generation to the next. The weight of the chain link also symbolizes the weight of armor that many Black women wear as they navigate the world. Despite the armor, the piece can be touched at any time representing the ubiquitous nature of violence against Black women. The studded band represents the many silent sacrifices that Black women have and continue to make even at the expense of their own health. The inside of the bonnet is plush, soft, and warm representing resilience, love, and faith.