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SoulScapes
A Visual Odyssey of South Haven's Black Heritage
September 28 through November 9
Curated with original art by Jennifer Sistrunk in collaboration with the Black History Leadership Society, Gail Patterson-Gladney, and Bishop Dorothy Sherrod.
"Soulscapes" runs through November 9, 2024. Click on the images to view the artist statement and more information about the artwork.
Honorees
Jennifer Sistrunk
Black History Leadership Society Collection
Digital Art
Since 1978, the Black History Leadership Society has honored over 50 notable black citizens in the area. Their annual event continues to recognize achievements and provide scholarships to college-bound students, fostering the legacy of black excellence.
Black History Leadership Society Collection
Digital Art
Since 1978, the Black History Leadership Society has honored over 50 notable black citizens in the area. Their annual event continues to recognize achievements and provide scholarships to college-bound students, fostering the legacy of black excellence.
Storytelling
Jennifer Sistrunk
Digital Art
James Corrothers, the first black student in South Haven, was not only a minister but also an accomplished writer. His autobiographical writings highlight life for black citizens in South Haven during both the 1800s and early 1900s, offering rare insight into the experiences of the early black community. Corrothers' storytelling sheds light on a community often overlooked, capturing their resilience, struggles, and triumphs during times of great social and racial upheaval.
Digital Art
James Corrothers, the first black student in South Haven, was not only a minister but also an accomplished writer. His autobiographical writings highlight life for black citizens in South Haven during both the 1800s and early 1900s, offering rare insight into the experiences of the early black community. Corrothers' storytelling sheds light on a community often overlooked, capturing their resilience, struggles, and triumphs during times of great social and racial upheaval.
The Riot
Jennifer Sistrunk
Digital Art
This piece illustrates the tragic race riot that erupted in South Haven during the 4th of July celebrations. While no lives were lost, many were injured, and black residents went into hiding for weeks. The violence was incited by sailors and travelers visiting the lakeshore, not local citizens. In an attempt to restore peace, the community organized an Emancipation Day celebration, but fear remained, and the black citizens stayed in hiding. The celebration ultimately failed to mend the community's wounds.
Digital Art
This piece illustrates the tragic race riot that erupted in South Haven during the 4th of July celebrations. While no lives were lost, many were injured, and black residents went into hiding for weeks. The violence was incited by sailors and travelers visiting the lakeshore, not local citizens. In an attempt to restore peace, the community organized an Emancipation Day celebration, but fear remained, and the black citizens stayed in hiding. The celebration ultimately failed to mend the community's wounds.
Dungill
Jennifer Sistrunk
Digital Art
Mr. Dungill was a trailblazer in South Haven's black community, opening one of the first black-owned businesses in the town—a barbershop on Phoenix and Center Street. Beyond his role as a businessman, Dungill was deeply involved in civic life. He was a minister, a leader in the Cooperative League of Colored Men, and the first black citizen to run for public office in South Haven. His influence reached beyond the town when Governor Ferris appointed him a delegate to the National Half-Century Anniversary of Negro Freedom and Lincoln Jubilee in Chicago, a prestigious event celebrating African American progress since the end of slavery. Dungill’s leadership set a powerful example for the black community, both locally and nationally.
Digital Art
Mr. Dungill was a trailblazer in South Haven's black community, opening one of the first black-owned businesses in the town—a barbershop on Phoenix and Center Street. Beyond his role as a businessman, Dungill was deeply involved in civic life. He was a minister, a leader in the Cooperative League of Colored Men, and the first black citizen to run for public office in South Haven. His influence reached beyond the town when Governor Ferris appointed him a delegate to the National Half-Century Anniversary of Negro Freedom and Lincoln Jubilee in Chicago, a prestigious event celebrating African American progress since the end of slavery. Dungill’s leadership set a powerful example for the black community, both locally and nationally.
Drowning
Jennifer Sistrunk
Digital Art
This artwork recalls the heartbreaking death of Preston Williamson, who drowned near the Avery Hotel adjacent to North Beach. With no family to claim him, Preston’s friends and coworkers pooled their wages to give him a proper burial. His final resting place is in Lakeview Cemetery, where the memory of his short life and the generosity of his peers lives on.
Digital Art
This artwork recalls the heartbreaking death of Preston Williamson, who drowned near the Avery Hotel adjacent to North Beach. With no family to claim him, Preston’s friends and coworkers pooled their wages to give him a proper burial. His final resting place is in Lakeview Cemetery, where the memory of his short life and the generosity of his peers lives on.
The Aristocrat
Jennifer Sistrunk
Digital Art
Jim Green, brought to South Haven as a child after the Emancipation Proclamation, is a figure surrounded by mystery. Despite this, Green left a lasting mark on the town as a beloved employee at Hales Department Store and the first black citizen in South Haven to own a car. His presence was felt at lavish parties hosted by the Hales family, and he became a symbol of achievement and progress within the black community.
Digital Art
Jim Green, brought to South Haven as a child after the Emancipation Proclamation, is a figure surrounded by mystery. Despite this, Green left a lasting mark on the town as a beloved employee at Hales Department Store and the first black citizen in South Haven to own a car. His presence was felt at lavish parties hosted by the Hales family, and he became a symbol of achievement and progress within the black community.
Finding Fortune
Jennifer Sistrunk
Digital Art
Born into slavery, Jennie Stewart forged her own path, becoming a fortune teller at the Chicago World’s Fair. Her success continued as she brought her talents to South Haven, where she read fortunes at the Dunkley Pavilion. Stewart's story speaks to perseverance and the determination to thrive, despite adversity.
Digital Art
Born into slavery, Jennie Stewart forged her own path, becoming a fortune teller at the Chicago World’s Fair. Her success continued as she brought her talents to South Haven, where she read fortunes at the Dunkley Pavilion. Stewart's story speaks to perseverance and the determination to thrive, despite adversity.
In Spite of the Handicap
Black History Leadership Society Collection
Gail Patterson-Gladney’s personal copy of In Spite of the Handicap by James Corrothers highlights the importance of his work. Gail, a Van Buren County Commissioner and member of the Black History Leadership Society says, “Corrothers is an important book that more people in South Haven should read. I was not aware that this hardworking, talented man existed. His autobiography gives a unique perspective on living in America (South Haven) during the 1900s.”
Gail Patterson-Gladney’s personal copy of In Spite of the Handicap by James Corrothers highlights the importance of his work. Gail, a Van Buren County Commissioner and member of the Black History Leadership Society says, “Corrothers is an important book that more people in South Haven should read. I was not aware that this hardworking, talented man existed. His autobiography gives a unique perspective on living in America (South Haven) during the 1900s.”
Daily Thoughts
Black History Leadership Society Collection
Thoughts from a local black citizen, reflecting on her early life and the challenges.
Thoughts from a local black citizen, reflecting on her early life and the challenges.
Mrs. Stieve
Black History Leadership Society Collection
Jeanette Stieve uncovers the forgotten legacy of James Corrothers in a 2002 South Haven Tribune publication. His contributions to the community and the literary world continue to inspire new generations.
Jeanette Stieve uncovers the forgotten legacy of James Corrothers in a 2002 South Haven Tribune publication. His contributions to the community and the literary world continue to inspire new generations.
1880 Census - Green
Black History Leadership Society Collection
The 1880 census records provide a glimpse into the life of James Green, documenting his presence in South Haven during a time of transition for the black community.
The 1880 census records provide a glimpse into the life of James Green, documenting his presence in South Haven during a time of transition for the black community.
The Calendar
Black History Leadership Society Collection
First introduced in 1969 as the “Negro Historical Calendar,” the Seagram calendar aimed to celebrate famous black Americans and their significant contributions to the history of the United States. The calendar project became a key part of the company’s strategic efforts to court black consumers, based around a celebration of black heritage.
First introduced in 1969 as the “Negro Historical Calendar,” the Seagram calendar aimed to celebrate famous black Americans and their significant contributions to the history of the United States. The calendar project became a key part of the company’s strategic efforts to court black consumers, based around a celebration of black heritage.
The Green Book
Black History Leadership Society Collection
The Negro Motorist Green Book (1936-1966) was an essential guide for black travelers navigating the Jim Crow South. It provided a lifeline for those seeking safe passage through a segregated America, offering advice on places to eat, sleep, and refuel without fear of discrimination.
The Negro Motorist Green Book (1936-1966) was an essential guide for black travelers navigating the Jim Crow South. It provided a lifeline for those seeking safe passage through a segregated America, offering advice on places to eat, sleep, and refuel without fear of discrimination.
Brown Family
Black History Leadership Society Collection
Samuel and Elizabeth Brown, early black settlers in South Haven, built a large family and a lasting legacy. Their son, Samuel Brown Jr., helped construct the city’s water system, and their grandson, Roy Brown, founded South Haven’s first black church on Elkenburg Street, which still stands as a testament to their faith and perseverance. Much of the family is laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven.
Samuel and Elizabeth Brown, early black settlers in South Haven, built a large family and a lasting legacy. Their son, Samuel Brown Jr., helped construct the city’s water system, and their grandson, Roy Brown, founded South Haven’s first black church on Elkenburg Street, which still stands as a testament to their faith and perseverance. Much of the family is laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven.
Brown Family
Roy Brown, grandson of Samuel and Elizabeth Brown, founded South Haven's first black church.
Brown Family
Brown Family Census
Black History Program
Black History Leadership Society Collection
South Haven’s inaugural Black History program at the high school featured inspiring speakers and a full-course dinner prepared by local black residents. It was a proud celebration of black heritage and culture.
South Haven’s inaugural Black History program at the high school featured inspiring speakers and a full-course dinner prepared by local black residents. It was a proud celebration of black heritage and culture.
AAUW
Black History Leadership Society Collection
The illustrated book of notable black leaders was distributed to South Haven citizens by AAUW, spreading awareness of the significant contributions made by black Americans throughout history.
The illustrated book of notable black leaders was distributed to South Haven citizens by AAUW, spreading awareness of the significant contributions made by black Americans throughout history.
Gathering
Black History Leadership Society Collection
The Wilson family’s campground in South Haven was a welcoming space, predominantly attended by local black children, where they could come together and build lasting memories.
The Wilson family’s campground in South Haven was a welcoming space, predominantly attended by local black children, where they could come together and build lasting memories.
Family Farm
Black History Leadership Society Collection
Tim Wilson’s artistic representation of the family farm was showcased at the 1987 Kalamazoo Art Expo, illustrating the deep roots and enduring legacy of his family’s contributions to the South Haven community.
Tim Wilson’s artistic representation of the family farm was showcased at the 1987 Kalamazoo Art Expo, illustrating the deep roots and enduring legacy of his family’s contributions to the South Haven community.
1880 Census - Dungill and Carruthers
Black History Leadership Society Collection
The 1880 census documents both the Dungill and Carruthers families. Young James Carruthers, later known as Corrothers, lived with his grandfather and spent much of his youth with his aunt, Martha. His journey from boyhood in South Haven to becoming a celebrated author and community leader is a story of resilience and achievement.
The 1880 census documents both the Dungill and Carruthers families. Young James Carruthers, later known as Corrothers, lived with his grandfather and spent much of his youth with his aunt, Martha. His journey from boyhood in South Haven to becoming a celebrated author and community leader is a story of resilience and achievement.
Capture Your Legacy
Visitor's were invited to participate in creating a living collage that reflects the diverse stories of our community. Use the provided Polaroid camera to capture a moment that represents your culture, heritage, family, or yourself. Whether it’s a person, an object, or a special place, your photo will help tell the story of who we are and where we come from.
After you take your picture:
1. Label it with a brief description and today’s date.
2. Add it to the growing collage on the wall.
Together, we’ll build a collective portrait of our shared experiences, each photo a unique piece of the larger story.
After you take your picture:
1. Label it with a brief description and today’s date.
2. Add it to the growing collage on the wall.
Together, we’ll build a collective portrait of our shared experiences, each photo a unique piece of the larger story.
Professional gallery images by Dan Christian. Click on the image, to look at the overall gallery.
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