'Black Gold Stories Untold' reclaims forgotten histories of Black Californians at Fort Point

"Black Gold: Stories Untold" opens Friday at Fort Point, revealing the contributions of Black Californians from the Gold Rush to Reconstruction through immersive art. The exhibition includes 25 newly commissioned works by 17 artists, designed to challenge traditional historical narratives. Key Jo Lee of the Museum of the African Diaspora highlights the importance of a multi-sensory experience for visitors. Fort Point, a Civil War-era military fort, provides a unique backdrop for these stories. Cheryl Derricotte's tribute to Mary Ellen Pleasant showcases the elegance and influence of a once-enslaved woman who became a wealthy entrepreneur and abolitionist.

The exhibition is the ninth site-specific installation by FOR-SITE, which aims to highlight overlooked contributions of Black individuals in history. Artist Umar Rashid's work evokes the lives of soldiers and adventurers, using a tongue-in-cheek approach to comment on survival and violence. This exhibition reclaims significant narratives, inviting audiences to rethink the value of these histories.