Chapter 1:
Honoring History at St. Augustine’s Church Through Art

This art installation at St. Augustine’s Church, also known as the “Slave Galleries Church,” has been on display since January 18, 2018. The exhibition bridges history and art by highlighting the influential historical figures who embody the ideals of freedom, justice, creativity, and resilience. In collaboration with the Japanese artist Minori Coffee Painting, I conceptualized this project to honor the church’s historical significance as a spiritual refuge and its connection to African American heritage. The stories of the historical figures echo the perseverance and determination of those who sought spiritual solace within St. Augustine’s walls. The project serves as a dialogue between the past and present, celebrating St. Augustine’s legacy as a space of spiritual strength and honoring figures who carried forward the fight for freedom, equality, and cultural innovation.