Many communities in our country are restricting what teachers can and can’t say in the classroom about issues of race. White lawmakers don’t want white children to feel shame about the history of our nation. They use the term “divisive concepts” and do not want anyone to feel “discomfort or guilt” so teachers must give a modified version of events, or remain silent. This is the same whitewashed history I learned when I was in school.

Controlling what children are taught is an attempt to rewrite history. Communities have been doing this for ages. In this country I think of the Tulsa massacre, which few have heard of, or the way Robert E. Lee’s actions are presented as justified and noble. Evidence disappears, the truth is ignored, and a new story is repeated to children which all are eager to believe. There is desperation to believe this new version because the truth is too hard to face. We condemn Russia for attempting to destroy Ukraine and for justifying their actions with lies, but states are justifying their own destruction of the truth with very little protest.

My piece reflects a nation that systemically controls people of color. We’ve been building a wall that protects our white interests and separates us from those we fear or don’t understand. White lawmakers say they want to protect children, but they are simply protecting their own interests and using children as an excuse.

The improv-pieced lettering in this quilt has a graffiti vibe. We are building this beautiful wall and someone tags it, which feels like a violation. But it’s the truth we don’t want to face. My hope is that this piece makes viewers stop and reflect, which I admit is a very low bar. However, this is how I started, reflecting on what I was taught that didn’t add up. And if we would do that, I think things would start to change in our country. This piece will be on display at the Bristol Art Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island July 23 to September 9.

Facing Our Shameful Wall