PBS History Detective host Tukufu Zuberi curates unique collection of propaganda posters
A unique collection of posters, collected and curated by Penn professor and PBS “History Detectives” host Tukufu Zuberi, forms the basis of a provocative new exhibition at the Penn Museum: Black Bodies in Propaganda: The Art of the War Poster, opening at 1:00 pm on June 2, 2013, and running through March 2, 2014.
About the Exhibition
Propaganda has long been used to mobilize people in times of war, and this exhibition presents 33 posters, most targeting Africans and African-American civilians, in times of war. These carefully designed works of art were aimed at mobilizing people of color in war efforts, even as they faced oppression and injustice in their homelands.
The exhibition explores changing messages on race and politics through propaganda—from the American Civil War, to World War I, World War II, and through to the African independence movements.
“These posters tell a story about the dynamics of race,” said Zuberi. “Black bodies are racialized in these posters as they capture defining moments in history. Race is always about second-class citizenship, it is always about a relationship between two groups and how one group is defined as superior and the other group is defined as inferior. These posters represent definitive moments in this historical process.”
In addition to the posters, the exhibition features three objects, soldier attire from Sudan, circa 1900, from the Penn Museum’s African Collection. Additionally, interactive multimedia allows visitors to explore some of the posters’ distinctive iconography, while archival military recruitment films and a related segment from PBS’ History Detectives enrich the exhibition.
A History Detective Begins a Collection
Zuberi, the Lasry Family Professor of Race Relations, and Professor of Sociology and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, began collecting propaganda war posters with a focus on Africans and African-Americans in 2005, inspired by colleagues from the hit public television series, “History Detectives.” The first poster he collected was used as an advertisement for a film made during World War I to recruit African-Americans to fight. The collection has since grown to 46 posters.
In the 2012 season, “History Detectives” turned the table on Zuberi, and investigated one of his posters, with his help. A powerful human story behind “Our Colored Heroes,” a 1918 war poster showcased in the exhibition, emerged—and is presented in the segment of the “History Detectives” on view in the exhibition.
Zuberi was a member of the Penn Museum’s Imagine Africa Community Communications Advisory Board, and the Black Bodies in Propaganda exhibition was conceived as an offshoot of that ongoing project. Imagine Africa, an exhibition and community engagement project adjacent to the Africa Gallery, invites the community to explore aspects of the Penn Museum’s extensive African Collection through diverse themes—and offer input on possible themes and content for future exhibitions and programming.
Opening Day Celebration and Upcoming Programming
Black Bodies in Propaganda opens to the public at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 2, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. At 2:00 pm, Zuberi offers an overview of the poster collection, talking about what inspired him to start his collection—and what he hopes visitors will take away from the exhibition. Eugene Richardson, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen—an all African-American regiment—from World War II, speaks at 3:00 pm. The programming is free with Museum admission.
Related programming for Black Bodies in Propaganda continues in the fall and winter/spring, with talks, film screenings, and a special focus during the Museum’s annual Celebration of African Cultures family day. A special screening of Zuberi’s award winning documentary film “African Independence” is scheduled for October 17 at 4:30 pm. More programming, and details, will be announced in the fall.
About the Penn Museum
Penn Museum (the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology) is dedicated to the study and understanding of human history and diversity. Founded in 1887, the Museum has sent more than 400 archaeological and anthropological expeditions to all the inhabited continents of the world. With an active exhibition schedule and educational programming for children and adults, the Museum offers the public an opportunity to share in the ongoing discovery of humankind’s collective heritage.
Penn Museum is located at 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (on Penn’s campus, across from Franklin Field). Public transportation to the Museum is available via SEPTA’s Regional Rail Line at University City Station; the Market-Frankford Subway Line at 34th Street Station; trolley routes 11, 13, 34, and 36; and bus routes 21, 30, 40, and 42. Museum hours are Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Wednesday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, with P.M. @ PENN MUSEUM evening programs offered select Wednesdays. Closed Mondays and holidays. Admission donation is $12 for adults; $10 for senior citizens (65 and above); free for active U.S. Military; $8 for children (6 to 17) and full-time students with ID; free to Members, PennCard holders, and children 5 and younger. Beginning July 1: admission donation is $15 adults; $13 for senior citizens (65 and above); free for U.S. Military (and free for military families over the summer, through participation with the Blue Star program); $10 for children and full-time students with ID; free to Members, PennCard holders, and children 5 and younger.
Hot and cold meals and light refreshments are offered to visitors with or without Museum admission in The Pepper Mill Café; the Museum Shop and Pyramid Shop for Children offer a wide selection of gifts, books, games, clothing and jewelry. Penn Museum can be found on the web at www.penn.museum. For general information call 215.898.4000. For group tour information call 215.746.8183.
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