Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice

Immerse yourself in Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice and honor the significant contributions of Black writers to American literature and history. Explore racial injustice in America by examining the work of Black American writers from the end of the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring original artwork, augmented reality and other interactive elements to enliven and enrich the experience, Dark Testament brings the work of writers past and present to life in new and exciting ways.

Spanning three gallery spaces at the AWM, as well as online exhibit extensions, Dark Testament is the AWM’s most ambitious exhibit to date. Dive deep into the work of prominent writers such as Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin and more, as well as lesser-known writers like Pauli Murray, whose poetry collection titled Dark Testament inspired the name of the exhibit. You’ll also hear from modern writers like Imani Perry, Elizabeth Nunez, Jabari Asim and more who show how contemporary writers are still confronting many of the same racial injustices that their predecessors did.

Dark Testament includes commissioned works of art by local Chicago artists. These one-of-a-kind pieces of art have an augmented reality component designed into them. Simply scan the art with your phone and watch as the writers and their words come to life!