Freedom’s Stand: Sentries Beacon

Augmented Chicago: Inaugural Realities, 2024
Millennium Park, 2024

“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us. Too long has the public been deceived by misrepresentations, in things which concern us dearly.”

-    John Brown Russwurm
Founder of Freedom’s Journal

"Freedom’s Stand: Sentries Beacon" is an homage to the pioneering spirit of Black newspapers in the United States, drawing on the legacy of community-generated news and self-representation. Inspired by the historical impact of Freedom’s Journal, the first Black-owned newspaper founded in 1827, this augmented reality sculpture highlights the importance of Black voices in media. Combining elements from Chicago’s Wall of Respect, the Community Mural Movement, and traditional West African Dogon architecture, "Freedom’s Stand" creates a rich cultural tapestry.

This work commemorates historical Black newspapers and emphasizes the vitality of contemporary Black community-based media. Self-representation is crucial for minority communities, ensuring their stories and perspectives are accurately conveyed. Contemporary examples include the South Shore Current, which provides nuanced narratives about Chicago’s South Side, countering mainstream media's often monolithic portrayal.

"Freedom’s Stand: Sentries Beacon" features three dynamic augmented reality newspaper stand sculptures that grow into towering structures and shrink back into smaller stands, symbolizing the evolving nature of Black media. The design, reminiscent of traditional newsstands integrated with Dogon granary aesthetics, creates a living archive. These sculptures showcase a curated collection of headlines, articles, and advertisements from 209 Black newspapers, ensuring the work remains dynamic and ever-changing. This project underscores the importance of celebrating diverse voices in media, ensuring they inform and inspire future generations.