legacies matter

Unveiled in summer 2022, Journey of the Unknown is a moving art installation housed at Roots 101 African American Museum by artist X. Moyo, who was commissioned to create an art exhibit that reflects a journey along the Ohio River, telling the emotional story of capture, enslavement, and lynching. 

The art exhibit holds up a mirror to those that visit allowing them to see their face reflected in a sculpture of a person that was lynched. The exhibit is powerful and allows participants to imagine the horrific journey of enslavement. 

“The power of the Journey of the Unknown art installation is an emotional journey of enslaved people in Kentucky and the ultimate journey of going down the river or the journey to freedom across the river,” said Lamont Collins, founder of Roots 101. “The art installation operates at the crossroads of freedom, slavery and death.”