Pioneers of Purpose: An Artistic Tribute to Black Women of Impact

Exhibition: The Douglass Theatre (Macon, GA), February 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024

Featuring a carefully curated selection of 20 artworks, Pioneers of Purpose honors three monumental Black women—Harriet Tubman, Fannie Appling Douglass, and Ruth Hartley Mosley—each of whom played a pivotal role in shaping the history and heritage of Macon, GA. Their contributions are deeply woven into the city’s cultural fabric and are reflected in the institutions that carry their legacies. The Tubman Museum stands as a powerful tribute to Harriet Tubman’s enduring fight against slavery, while the Ruth Hartley Mosley Memorial Women’s Center commemorates Mosley’s leadership as a civic advocate and champion of women’s rights. The Douglass Theatre, which hosted this exhibition, remains a historic cultural venue, a lasting testament to the legacy of the Douglass family, where Fannie Appling Douglass played a key role in supporting her husband, Charles Henry Douglass, in its establishment.

Curated by The Redd Family Collection of Black Art and Rainbow Serpent, the exhibition is a narrative thread connecting the present community of Macon to its rich, historical tapestry. Each artwork serves as a tribute to the resilience, courage, and impact of these three women, whose stories are inextricably linked to the city’s journey. With this exhibition, the Redd Family reestablished their commitment to celebrating and preserving Black art and culture and rekindled a community’s connection to its powerful and inspiring history.