Dignity through music

Kaye Wiggins is pictured with “Guitarist” by Charles White

This picture from the exhibition "Labor and Leisure" at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts makes me think of a time when slaves entertained their owners with a range of music representing the entire cycle of life. Music was artistic expression -- a vehicle to celebrate happiness and to soothe times of sadness. This guitar player projects a dignity that comes from his connection to the universal language of music. I hear him playing a slow, soulful, and mellow song. I think future African-American painters will be inspired by professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers. And it’s not just my racial group making a transition. Latinos, Asian-Americans, and many others are joining hands as a country behind our new president.

Kaye Wiggins
VMFA Parking Supervisor