Aretha Franklin

Lola Jenkins

50 x 30 inches

2019

ARTIST STATEMENT

From her time growing up in the home of a prominent African American preacher to the end of her life, Franklin was immersed and involved in the struggle for civil rights and women’s rights. She provided money for civil rights groups, even covering payroll, and performed at benefits and protests. When Angela Davis was jailed in 1970, Franklin told Jet, “Angela Davis must go free… Black people will be free. Jail is hell to be in. I’m going to see her free if there is any justice in our courts, … because she’s a Black woman fighting for freedom for Black People.”

MATERIALS

Digital images, fabric, thread

Collage, quilting