The University of Delaware’s Transcendent Resilience: Black Women, Artivism and the Carceral State explores the powerful intersection of art, activism and systemic injustice through the lens of Black women’s lived experiences. Expanding on Dr. Felicia Henry’s 2023 exhibition, I’m Literally Taking It Out The Mud (ILTIOTM), this new installation delves deeper into the voices of Black women impacted by the criminal legal system during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Drawing from both ILTIOTM and the University of Delaware’s Special Collections, Transcendent Resilience examines the intersectional oppression inherent in the carceral system while celebrating the creative resistance and transformative power of artivism—activism expressed through art. This exhibition not only historicizes the experiences of ILTIOTM participants but also highlights their ingenuity, resilience and joy in the face of adversity. 

Curated by graduate students from the University of Delaware’s Museum Studies Program, Transcendent Resilience is a testament to the strength and creativity of Black women navigating systemic challenges. Through this rich, thought-provoking exhibition, visitors will gain insight into the ways Artivism serves as a catalyst for resistance, healing, and community-building. 

We invite you to join us in honoring the artivist creations and the enduring resilience showcased in Transcendent Resilience.