Faith Ringgold
Tar Beach
“TarBeach” depicts a girl and her younger brother laying on the rooftop of their apartment building in Harlem, New York. They look up at the night sky while the adults play card games at the table to their side. Up in the sky, you will notice eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot flying up in the stars, rising above the city. As Cassie and her younger brother look up in the sky, it is if Cassie is dreaming about overcoming certain societal injustices that are prevalent in her life. The stars and the night time sky sets a dream-like tone or a bed time story-telling vibe. Watching herself fly above the city is symbolic of her rising above adversity and making her dreams a reality.
This quilt demonstrates the optimistic view point that shows that it is
possible for anyone to rise above adversity despite any societal conflicts or
issues. Although Cassie Louise Lightfoot is of African American descent and
also a woman, she has chosen to rise above that struggle and fly. Children in
school also face similar conflicts regarding their race or their gender or
perhaps even other insecurities about themselves that they are struggling with.
Sharing this story with them can be extremely rewarding and can open doors for
them in regards to what they are capable of. Students could be asked to think
of something that they wish they could accomplish or rise above and create a
work of art that depicts them doing so. As Faith Ringgold has mentioned
repeatedly, if you really want to, you can do anything. This work of art also
shares the experiences of African Americans during the Civil Rights era which
is a vital part of our nations history and should be expressed to our children. By
incorporating and art project like this, the Learning Standards regarding
diversity and problem solving would be met.
Kelly Mclaughlin 