I Am a Man
- Hand Embellished Giclee on Canvas
- Limited Edition with an Edition Size of 25 Pieces
- Ships Signed and Numbered and with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Artist.
- Measures 54x36 inches in size.
- A Tribute to those who participated in the Memphis Sanitation Strike of 1968
A limited edition release by K.A. Williams II inspired by the Memphis Sanitation Strike of 1968. It depicts an African American man resting upon the iconic "I Am a Man" sign after a long today of fighting for equality, dignity, and respect.
In 1968, Memphis became the epicenter of a groundbreaking movement when Black sanitation workers took to the streets in protest. After two African American laborers were tragically killed by a malfunctioning garbage truck while on duty, these hardworking men and women decided that enough was enough—they could no longer bear the injustice of unsafe working conditions, meager paychecks, and being denied their right to unionize any further. The strike served as an invitation for other marginalized communities across America to stand up against oppressive systems and fight for justice.
In Memphis, numerous Black Civil Rights activists arrived to aid the workers. Reverend James Lawson helped them to organize and then the protests started - dangerous endeavors that could bring retribution from law enforcement. During one march, protesters were doused with mace and tear gas while another ended up becoming fatal for 16-year-old Larry Payne at the hands of police officer's bullets.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also traveled to Memphis in solidarity with the sanitation workers' cause. He made speeches that inspired and participated in the marching and protests. During their marches these brave individuals wore signs proclaiming "I Am A Man". This emphasized they were striving to be recognized as human beings worthy of equality, dignity, and respect.
On this work of art, you will also find the fraction "3/5". This alludes to the "Three-Fifths Compromise".
The “Three-fifths Compromise” allowed a state to count three-fifths of each Black person in determining political representation in the House. It was an early American effort to avoid the intersectionality of race, class, nationality, and wealth for political control.
Rather than halting or slowing the importation of slaves in the south, slavery had been given a new life, a political life. Even when the law stopped the importing of new slaves in 1808, the south continued to increase its overall political status and electoral votes by adding and breeding slaves illegally. The Three-fifths Compromise would not be challenged again until the Dred Scott case in 1856.
Measures 54x36 inches. Hand embellished giclee on canvas. Edition size of 25 pieces. Ships unstretched and rolled in a strong tube and box.
| Cert. Of Authenticity | Certificate of Authenticity from the Artist |
| Edition | Limited Edition |
| Edition Size | 25 |
| Framed | Unframed |
| Height | 54 inches |
| Length | 36 inches |
| Medium | Giclee on Canvas |
| Signed | Signed and Numbered by the Artist |
| SKU | wak-man |
| Year Released | 2018 |
Kevin "WAK" Williams
WAK is an artist on a mission, but his is no solo trip: He wants to take you on the journey, too. His destination is a place where more African-Americans will appreciate, own and even create fine art that honors their rich heritage and hope filled destiny. So far, tens of thousands of people have willingly followed Williams to that vista – including talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, and actor comedian Bernie Mac. From celebrity homes to small businesses, corporate offices and women’s spas, Williams’ original and lithograph artwork hangs from coast to coast. In fact, his collection of 50 lithograph prints – created under the “WAK Artistry” signature – is the most widely circulated urban fine arts series in the nation. Diverse in their themes, the art is painted by Williams in mixed mediums, and then produced as lithographs in various limited – and broad – edition quantities.Limited edition artwork ships in 0 to 14 business days depending upon the artwork, artist and medium. All limited editions ship signed and numbered and with a certificate of authenticity from the artist. When a limited edition work of art is purchased a member of our team will contact you within 1 to 3 business days to provide you with a shipping timeline. Some limited editions are not eligible for expedited shipping. For additional information please visit our: Special Note About Limited Editions
