Events - Event View

Power Suits: Clothing and Identity in Portraits of Black Hawk
Presenter: Jane Simonsen, Ph.D., Professor of History, Chair of American Studies at Augustana College
In several portraits made of him between 1832 and his death in 1838, the Sauk leader Black Hawk wears a black suit – the sort of clothing worn by white men at the time. While some historians argue that Black Hawk was forced to wear the suit to show the government’s power over him, Black Hawk may have had more power over his own self-representation than assumed. The question of what Black Hawk wore not only sheds light on changing public perceptions of American Indians during the era of forced removal, but on why and how today’s Native American artists and filmmakers are creating space for their own self-representation.

Luncheon is at 11:30 with the presentation to follow. The $25 registration fee includes a plated luncheon program and admission to the Botanical Center. Gluten free or vegetarian options are available at time of registration. Register online at www.bhc.edu/pace or call Black Hawk College at 309-796-8223. Register for in-person Class ID 3369. Note the registration/cancellation deadline of March 27.