An Affirmation Event for College-Aged Black Women

Join us for a program made by and for college-aged Black women, presented in conjunction with the exhibition Kara Walker: Cut to the Quick, from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. This summit aims to provide a safe and honest space in which to discuss the personal meanings of existing as Black women in a nation where the humanity of Black women is continually eroticized and erased—an experience that Walker’s work embodies. The program will include a presentation on Walker’s work, time in the galleries to see the exhibition, a facilitated discussion on personal connections to Walker’s portrayals, and a closing viewing of the exhibition. Participants may attend any and all of the day’s activities. Refreshments will be provided.

The group discussion will be moderated by Heather Finch (BA Tuskegee University, MA and PhD Auburn University), an Assistant Professor of English at Belmont University. Her research and teaching experience and interests include Early American and African American literature with a specific emphasis on the fragmented narratives of pre-nineteenth century enslaved women and freedom. Her higher education professional experience also includes diversity and inclusion work. 

This program was developed by Meron Kassa (senior, Vanderbilt University) and Ember Tharpe (senior, Vanderbilt University). 

Schedule of Activities
1:30–2:20 p.m. Welcome and introduction 
2:30–3:20 p.m. Visit to the exhibition 
3:30–4:00 p.m. Guided meditation and grounding exercise (refreshments provided)
4:00–5:15 p.m. Group discussion 
5:20–5:30 p.m. Closing affirmations and moment of silence in the exhibition



Proud participant




Related exhibition

Kara Walker: Cut to the Quick
From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

Jul 23–Oct 10, 2021 | Upper-Level Galleries

A leading artist of her generation, Kara Walker (b. 1969) works in a range of mediums, including prints, drawings, paintings, sculpture, film, and the large-scale silhouette cutouts for which she is perhaps most recognized. Her powerful and provocative images employ contradictions to critique the painful legacies of slavery, sexism, violence, imperialism, and other power structures, including those in the history and hierarchies of art and contemporary culture. Read More

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