The Enslaved American

Historically Stateless USA

The discussion surrounding statelessness within the United States often assumes that we are absolved of the responsibility to take action due to the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to those born on American soil. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that this has not always been the case. The 14th Amendment, enacted in 1868, was pivotal in overturning the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision. Despite favorable rulings in the lower courts, the Supreme Court, at the time, denied Dred Scott his freedom. They heartlessly proclaimed that Mr. Scott, being born into slavery in Missouri and being moved to a free territory of Illinois, could not be considered a citizen, thereby stripping him of any access to the justice system. This judgment birthed a tragic cohort of stateless individuals born within the very borders of the United States. It serves as a chilling reminder of how governing bodies steeped in discrimination can wield citizenship as a weapon to consolidate control and power.

Within this depiction of The Enslaved American, one can witness the symbolic representation of the 54 countries as recognized by the United Nations of the continent of Africa through the myriad of accessories and garments adorning the subject. Each African country is deliberately showcased, mirroring the diverse origins of the enslaved Americans who hailed from various corners of the vast continent. Tragically, upon arrival in America, their cultural identities were forcibly integrated, fragmented, and amalgamated as a tool to subjugate them within the brutality of coerced migration. This painting serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and indomitable spirit that resides within those who have endured unspeakable atrocities around the world by being denied their citizenship. This painting is intended to evoke feelings of aspiration for justice and ignite a desire for meaningful change in the hearts of all who encounter it through the confrontation of our historical journey within the United States.