Explore Black History

2015

Sheila Pree Bright’s images often feature women, as in this image of singer Janelle Monae standing behind a “#SAY HER NAME” sign. Bright celebrates the central role that women historically have played in organizing protests and leading demands for social change. At a Breonna Taylor protest, Bright recalls, “I felt the trauma within the women's voices when they spoke; it was very emotional, fierce, and sobering.”

A digital, black-and-white image of Janelle Monáe performing "Hell You Talmbout" during a Black Lives Matter "Say Her Name" protest in Atlanta, Georgia. Monáe is standing left of center. She is wearing a white, long sleeve, polka dot bouse and white cap with a black band and visor. Her head is tilted towards her proper right shoulder, her chin is tilted slightly upwards, her eyes are closed, and she appears to be singing. Her proper right arm rests at her side and her proper left arm is draped over the shoulder of Felecia Christian, the mother of Alexia Christian, standing in the right foreground. Christian, on the right is holding a white protest sign in front of her with black, handwritten marker text that reads [#What happened to / ALEXIA CHRISTIAN / #SAY HER NAME / #STOPKILLINGUS!]. She wears a dark blouse, two chain necklaces, and dark sunglasses. She is facing the viewer with her chin raised, and also appears to be singing. Standing behind Monáe and Christian is Nate 'Rocket' Wonder of the Wondaland Arts Society, singing and clapping his hands. He is wearing a white T-shirt, metal rimmed sunglasses, and a round, broad brimmed hat. Standing in the background behind Monáe, Christian, and Wonder is a gathering of other protesters; some holding protest signs up in the air.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

#1960Now

Photographs and Still Images

Black Lives Matter

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Sheila Pree Bright

National Museum of African American History and Culture

2021.56.1

digital images
digital media - born digital

© Sheila Pree Bright
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

digital

H x W: 6000 pixels × 6000 pixels
File size (Total): 103.09 MB

Title • "Say Her Name" protest, artist Janelle Monáe and Wondaland Records members perform "Hell You Talmbout" protest song, Atlanta, GA

nmaahc_2021.56.1

NMAAHC

"SAY HER NAME" PROTEST, ARTIST JANELLE MONÁE AND WONDALAND RECORDS MEMBERS PERFORM "HELL YOU TALMBOUT" PROTEST SONG, ATLANTA, GA

National Museum of African American History and Culture

CC0

2010s

Wondaland Records • Bright, Sheila Pree • Wonder, Nate "Rocket" • Christian, Felecia • Christian, Alexia • Monáe, Janelle

Atlanta • United States • North and Central America • Fulton County • Georgia

Justice • Women • Activism • Police brutality • Violence • Black Lives Matter • Gospel (Music) • Photography • American South • Rappers (Musicians) • Actors and actresses • Music • Composers (Musicians) • Civil rights • Singers (Musicians) • Urban life • U.S. History, 2001- • Race relations

City • Atlanta • County • Fulton County • State • Georgia • Country • United States • Continent • North and Central America

digital media - born digital • Photographs

Images

Limited Use