The First One Hundred Years 1972

"The First One Hundred Years" is an oil on canvas painting by African-American artist Archibald Motley, created in 1972. This powerful and symbolic work depicts the struggles and hardships faced by Black Americans during the first century after the Civil War, exploring themes of racism, oppression, and inequality. The painting is filled with imagery of violence and injustice, including a figure hanging from a tree, a KKK member, and a Confederate flag. Motley's use of dark and somber colors emphasizes the bleakness of the period, while the inclusion of figures from both the past and present suggests that the fight for racial equality is ongoing. "The First One Hundred Years" is a poignant testament to the enduring legacy of racism in America, reminding viewers of the need to continue working towards justice and equality.