The Great Migration’s Legacy: A Powerful Story Told Through Art

Last weekend, I visited Chicago and had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful Chicago Cultural Center and its exhibition, A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration. This powerful exhibition examines the profound impact of the Great Migration on the social and cultural fabric of the United States, weaving together both historical and deeply personal perspectives.

One artwork that particularly moved me as an intercultural trainer was James Richmond Edwards’ piece, “This Water Runs Deep”. Its evocative imagery and storytelling captured the resilience, struggles, and cultural richness that emerged from this historic movement. As someone who works with cultural adaptation and identity, I was deeply inspired by how the piece reflects themes of displacement, belonging, and transformation- universal experiences that continue to shape communities today.

💡 How does art shape our understanding of history and the present?