The Blank Slate Monument

There are ‘problematic narratives’ that do not do justice to the African American experience of the confederate wars in America.

The Blank Slate Monument aims to change that narrative.

Kwame’s Approach

• Interrogating the non-inclusive commemoration of events surrounding the Civil War
• Make the monument serve as the very vehicle for nonviolent protest of confederate memorials and spaces which are insensitive to the African American experience and contributions
• Contribute to dialogues, especially amongst American citizens whether black, white or any other race
• Allow monument to serve as an intervention to white supremacy spaces and/or un-commemorated spaces associated with African American heroism, suffering and contribution to nation building

A  r  t  i  s  t     S  t  a  t  e  m  e  n   t

The Placard

The placard is not just a symbol but it is literally the voice of the people. I left it blank because a monumental few words from one artist will not be enough to express the thoughts and emotions of millions of people. An artist has no right to play with idealistic symbolism and think that every thing will be ok. It is blank because I hope participants will fill it with their own words and emotions.

The blank slate, however does not stand in a vacuum. The placard and various words, hashtags, opinions come from the the freedom tradition that was created ever since enslaved Africans set foot in the United States of America and the world away from wherever they called home. A tradition expressed through hunger strikes, acts of defiance and civil rights movements. It is my belief that when participants write down their thoughts on the placards, a palimpsest of the freedom tradition shines through and that is when the heroes of America are revealed.

– Kwame Akoto-Bamfo

There are ‘problematic narratives’ that do not do justice to the African American experience of the confederate wars in America.

The Blank Slate Monument aims to change that narrative.

Kwame’s Approach

• Interrogating the non-inclusive commemoration of events surrounding the Civil War
• Make the monument serve as the very vehicle for nonviolent protest of confederate memorials and spaces which are insensitive to the African American experience and contributions
• Contribute to dialogues, especially amongst American citizens whether black, white or any other race
• Allow monument to serve as an intervention to white supremacy spaces and/or un-commemorated spaces associated with African American heroism, suffering and contribution to nation building

The placard is not just a symbol but it is literally the voice of the people. I left it blank because a monumental few words from one artist will not be enough to express the thoughts and emotions of millions of people. An artist has no right to play with idealistic symbolism and think that every thing will be ok. It is blank because I hope participants will fill it with their own words and emotions.

The blank slate, however does not stand in a vacuum. The placard and various words, hashtags, opinions come from the the freedom tradition that was created ever since enslaved Africans set foot in the United States of America and the world away from wherever they called home. A tradition expressed through hunger strikes, acts of defiance and civil rights movements. It is my belief that when participants write down their thoughts on the placards, a palimpsest of the freedom tradition shines through and that is when the heroes of America are revealed.

– Kwame Akoto-Bamfo