New exhibit at Cummer Museum opens up dialogue about racial injustice

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Cummer Museum is tackling racial injustice through art.

Action News Jax was invited for a sneak-peek of the museum’s newest exhibit, “Hail the Dark Lioness”, which aims at getting conversations started.

Museums have always been a big part of Wanda Willis’ life.

“I would always bring my kids here, whenever my husband and I visit a city, one of the first things we do is visit a museum,” she said.

Making a career out of it only made sense. Willis helped play a role in bringing “Hail the Dark Lioness” to Jacksonville for its last stop.

“It really means a lot to me as a woman of color,” she said.

Willis hopes people feel a sense of community and gain more understanding from touring the exhibit.

In the exhibit, activist Zanele Muholi shares almost 100 self-portraits, asking critical questions about social injustice.

“Look at what it means to be Black, and to be Black all 365 days of the year, it’s a great opportunity for our community,” Willis said.

Willis wants everyone who visits the exhibit to leave with a deeper knowledge and better understanding of the Black community.

The exhibit opens to the public Thursday, and will be at the museum through June 20th.

Cox Media Group