Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center Presents: Ancestral Dreams Realized: The Legacy of Bernice Craft DeCosta Davis

Exhibition at Charleston County Public Library — Main Library Art Gallery, November 1-27, 2024

Charleston, SC – The Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center at the University of South Carolina Beaufort proudly announces the opening of Ancestral Dreams Realized: The Legacy of Bernice Craft DeCosta Davis, an exhibition celebrating the life and achievements of Bernice Craft DeCosta Davis, a pivotal figure in the fields of education, the arts, and community service. The exhibition will be on display from November 1 to November 27, 2024, at the Charleston County Public Library—Main Library Art Gallery, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

Bernice Craft DeCosta Davis was a direct descendant of Ellen and William Craft, whose remarkable escape from slavery in 1848 is famously chronicled in Ilyon Woo’s acclaimed book, Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom. Ellen Craft, disguising herself as a disabled white man, and William Craft, posing as her enslaved servant, defied all odds to secure their freedom. This exhibition not only highlights their legacy but also explores how their courage inspired generations, including Bernice, to transform hardship into triumph.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Bernice embraced the resilience of her ancestors, dedicating her life to advancing educational opportunities, artistic expression, and community leadership. As an educator, artist, and advocate, Bernice’s contributions left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and society. This exhibition, curated by the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center, brings together historical documents, personal artifacts, and artworks that reflect her wide-ranging influence.

Exhibition Details:

Dates: November 1 – 27, 2024

Location: Main Library Art Gallery, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Admission: Free and open to the public

Join us in exploring the powerful story of Bernice Craft DeCosta Davis and her journey as a torchbearer of her family’s remarkable legacy. Through this exhibition, we celebrate the enduring power of resilience, heritage, and community service.

For more information, please contact: klong@aamaritimehistory.org or visit www.jgmcc.org 

About the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center

The Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center at the University of South Carolina Beaufort is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich maritime history of African and African American communities. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural partnerships, the center fosters a deeper understanding of the contributions of these communities to our shared heritage.

Media Contact
Company Name: Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center
Contact Person: Kim Cliett Long
Email: Send Email
Phone: +18434596347
Country: United States
Website: http://www.jgmcc.org