In 1925, Langston Hughes' poem "I too" was published which challenged the ideas of American patriotism and equality. It is an exploration into the developing identities of black people at the turn of the century. Almost 100 years have passed since his poem was first published but when I read it in 2018, I was struck by how language can shape and communicate concepts regarding our identities. In my piece, Am I Too, America? I use my ancestry research to illustrate the nuance of our shaping identities as "forced immigrants" in the United States. This relates to the theme of systemic changes because it shows how language plays a role in shaping our identities and how it can be used to empower or oppress. 

Add

Lyn Patterson

Opportunities

For Artists

ArtConnect

Support