“Celebrating Social Justice Movements on Occasion of Black History Month”
Emotions ran high as renowned black artist Deidre Hathor unveiled her deeply moving installation, a poignant tribute to the resilient ancestors who paved the path to our present moment. On the morning of February 3rd, a diverse gathering of artists and supporters from our community converged to immerse themselves in what Deidre described as a “multi-sensory experience that you can feel literally and figuratively.” Displayed were works ranging from towering tributes to community pillars like Muhammad Ali to intimate reflections on fellow artist Frida Kahlo, with many pieces still evolving, inviting active participation from all community members.
By Jason Land Jr. | Contributing Writer
Border Patrol Welcomes Deidre Hathor as Next Artist-in-Residence
Emotions ran high as renowned black artist Deidre Hathor unveiled her deeply moving installation, a poignant tribute to the resilient ancestors who paved the path to our present moment. On the morning of February 3rd, a diverse gathering of artists and supporters from our community converged to immerse themselves in what Deidre described as a “multi-sensory experience that you can feel literally and figuratively.” Displayed were works ranging from towering tributes to community pillars like Muhammad Ali to intimate reflections on fellow artist Frida Kahlo, with many pieces still evolving, inviting active participation from all community members.
Patrick Jackson- President of Bakersfield NAACP (Photo: Jason Land, Jr)
Opening the event with stirring words, President Patrick Jackson of the Bakersfield NAACP ignited the crowd with his impassioned insights into our shared history. He underscored the significance of art such as Deidre’s, emphasizing how these creations immortalize the trailblazers of our community. President Jackson emphasized the importance of preserving our collective heritage, believing that recounting the stories of our ancestors can inspire the next generation to effect meaningful change. “We are bringing not only the arts, but the history that can change generations to come. It takes people to care. When you have a heart for people, God knows that change will come! There’s an ambiance here..— There’s a presence here that people need to experience.”
Leticia Perez- Kern County District Supervisor (Photo: Jason Land, Jr)
Following President Jackson’s powerful address, Kern County District Supervisor Leticia Perez echoed his fervor, prefacing her remarks with a touching quote. “If you look through history, there’s moments of profound change socially [and] personally— always demonstrated through art. Art as resistance, art as expression— it has always been the centerpiece of the way in which we visualize our heart, our pain, our hope.” She acknowledged the unique role of art in the expression of people of color, noting how clothing and jewelry serve as artistic vehicles through which we assert our identities.
(Photo: Jason Land, Jr)
Commencing the art exhibit, Deidre invited the community to participate in her creative process by inscribing the names of departed family members on her “artboard of remembrance,” honoring the ancestors who continue to inspire us. From intricate 3D sculptures to vintage typewriters dating back to 1912, the exhibit encompassed a diverse array of mediums, each piece serving as a testament to the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for social change, shaping the identities of Black and Latin Americans today.
Concluding the event, Deidre gathered everyone in a symbolic unity circle, creating a sacred space to honor the significant figures in our lives and pay homage to those who have passed on. Her parting words resonated deeply, encapsulating the essence of the event: “We are also our history.”
