angry, too loud, or too “ghetto.” The audacity of my self-preservation made others uncomfortable and attracted unwanted attention, and only then was my Blackness truly acknowledged. Black women have long grappled with the “angry” stereotype perpetuated by white society, which aims to stifle and police their voices. And as I reflect on these moments in my life, I cannot help but think that Piper’s My Calling (Card) #1 would have been quite useful in my daily struggles to be heard and respected. Piper’s work not only illuminates the Black experience and the challenges faced within predominantly white environments but also serves as a compelling call to action, prompting individuals to acknowledge their own biases and the harm that stems from complicit silence. Whether one finds themselves in the presence of Black individuals or not, Piper’s words resonate powerfully, serving as a stark reminder of the imperative need for allyship, particularly among those who possess the privilege of being heard. Combatting racism should not be solely the burden of the oppressed and Piper’s My Calling (Card) #1 encourages all to speak up for what is morally right. View works by artists like Adrian Piper at the Des Moines Art Center, Tuesday through Friday from 11 am - 4 pm, with extended hours until 7 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Weekend hours are 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission to the Des Moines Art Center is free. Visit desmoinesartcenter.org for more information. Image credit: Adrian Piper (American, born 1948). My Calling (Card) #1, 1986. Dimensions: 2 × 3 7/16 in. (5.1 × 8.7 cm). Offset lithograph on paper. Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Gift of Hudson, New York, 2000.18. Not On View. 33
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