Curator's Notes:

The items in this collection explore the concept of Black consciousness (a positive self-awareness as Black people for Black people) and the kinds of political actions it results in through Umi's own work for Black liberation. While most of the items are from her 20s in the 1970s, during a time when the Black Radical Tradition was alive in the hearts and in the streets, there are items in the collection from later in Umi's life. For me, these speak to the enduring nature of her commitment, which is a hallmark of many in her generation. These items also ask us to consider what has changed for Black consciousness and political action over time.