Black women in America have worked tirelessly for centuries to wrestle control of their bodies and their lives away from others.
These three Newark women–Sara O’Fake Evans, Ellen King, and Hannah Mandeville–were as respected in Newark’s Black community as the Ballantines were in theirs. They lived only blocks away from The Ballantine House. Descendants of community activists, freedom seekers, and abolitionists, they were artists, teachers, businesswomen, and homeowners.
These leaders have been pushed out of historical narratives—until now. They changed their lives in the face of misogyny, racism, and worker discrimination, and their stories illuminate our centuries-long struggle. Even today, Black women continue to fight and thrive in Newark.
– Noelle Lorraine Williams, Black Power! 19th Century
About the Artist
Noelle Lorraine Williams’ work exemplifies her continued interest in engaging audiences in conversations about what it means to be American today, using art, history, and contemporary culture by and about African Americans. Her multimedia project Black Power! 19th Century presents these ideas through exhibitions, essays, events, and social media.
As well as working as an artist, historian, and curator, Williams is Director of the African American History Program and the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail at the New Jersey Historical Commission. Learn More
Noelle Lorraine Williams created this inspiration in dialogue with the Museum team, to present this installation within the context of the 2023 interpretation of The Ballantine House.