Honoring Black History Month: Stories Preserved, Voices Elevated

At Freeman’s, history lives in the objects, archives, and artworks that pass through our hands. Each piece carries a human story, and during Black History Month, we pause to recognize and celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black artists, collectors, makers, and historical figures whose legacies continue to shape American and global culture.

Stewardship of History Through Objects

For more than two centuries, Freeman’s has served as a steward of cultural history, entrusted with objects that reflect the breadth and complexity of the past. Among these are works and materials that illuminate Black excellence, resilience, creativity, and leadership across generations. From fine art and manuscripts to decorative arts and Americana, these objects are not simply collectibles; they are primary sources that help tell a fuller, more inclusive story of history.

Winfred Rembert (American, 1945-2021) Juke Joint, 2000

Amplifying Black Artists and Makers

Freeman’s has been honored to present and champion works by Black artists whose voices and visions deserve sustained recognition. Through our auctions, editorial content, and public programming, we strive to contextualize these works thoughtfully, while placing them within both the canon of art history and the lived experiences that shaped their creation. By doing so, we aim to support scholarship, encourage new collectors, and help ensure these works are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

Morrison, Toni and Kara E. Walker: Five Poems | Sold for $3,302; Huston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God. 1937. First Edition in the Rare Dust Jacket. | Lorna Simpson (American, b. 1960) Counting, 1991 | CARRIE MAE WEEMS (AMERICAN, B. 1953) "GOD BLESS THE CHILD"FROM THE SERIES "FROM HERE I SAW WHAT HAPPENED AND I CRIED" 

Preserving Narratives Often Left Untold

Objects have the power to reveal histories that traditional narratives overlook. Freeman’s has had the privilege of handling rare documents, photographs, and artifacts connected to Black history, materials that speak to intellectual achievement, cultural leadership, and everyday life. Whether tied to the civil rights movement, entrepreneurship, or artistic innovation, these items deepen our understanding of the past and underscore the importance of preservation.

[African-Americana] The Result of the Fifteenth Amendment, And the Rise and Progress of the African Race in American... | [African-Americana] King, Martin Luther, Jr. Signed Program | OBAMA, Barack (b. 1961). A group of 4 FIRST EDITIONS, ALL SIGNED, comprising:

Responsibility, Research, and Respect

Engaging with culturally significant material carries responsibility. Our specialists approach each object with rigorous research, care, and respect, collaborating with scholars, institutions, and collectors to ensure accurate attribution and thoughtful interpretation. This commitment reflects our belief that the auction process can play a role in education and cultural stewardship.

Ernie Barnes, Jr. (American, 1938-2009) Untitled (The Stare) | The Grape Vine, c. 1976

Black History Month is not a moment confined to February. It is an ongoing commitment to recognition, inclusion, and excellence. At Freeman’s, we continue to look ahead, seeking opportunities to expand representation, elevate underrepresented voices, and tell richer, more complete stories through the objects we present.

As we honor Black History Month, we reaffirm our dedication to preserving history through objects, and to ensuring that the stories they carry are shared, valued, and remembered.