Pioneers of Purpose: An Artistic Tribute to Black Women of Impact

Pioneers of Purpose: An Artistic Tribute to Black Women of Impact marks a significant milestone for The Redd Family Collection of Black Art, as it is the family's first art installation in Macon, Georgia, in over two decades. Since the closure of their Miracles Fine Art Gallery in 1998, this 2024 exhibition at the Douglass Theatre represents both a revival of their presence in Macon’s art scene and a renewed commitment to cultural and historical preservation.

Featuring a carefully curated selection of 20 artworks, the exhibition honors three monumental Black women—Harriet Tubman, Fannie Appling Douglass, and Ruth Hartley Mosley—each of whom played a pivotal role in shaping Macon’s history and heritage. Their contributions are deeply woven into the city’s cultural fabric and are reflected in the institutions that carry their legacies. The Tubman Museum stands as a powerful tribute to Harriet Tubman’s enduring fight against slavery, while the Ruth Hartley Mosley Memorial Women’s Center commemorates Mosley’s leadership as a civic advocate and champion of women’s rights. The Douglass Theatre, which hosted this exhibition, remains a historic cultural venue, a lasting testament to the legacy of the Douglass family, where Fannie Appling Douglass played a key role in supporting her husband, Charles Henry Douglass, in its establishment.

Pioneers of Purpose forges a bridge between Macon’s present-day community and its rich historical lineage. Each artwork serves as a tribute to the resilience, courage, and impact of these extraordinary women, reinforcing their place in the city’s ongoing narrative. With this exhibition, the Redd Family reaffirms their dedication to celebrating and preserving Black art and culture, rekindling a community’s connection to its powerful and inspiring history.