Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America is receiving strongly positive initial reviews by the local news media and online bloggers.   In the words of blogger David Bowman, the exhibition is “educational, painful and powerful.”

Disclaimer:  The Freedom Center invited a group of active and influential social media commentators (you could call them “gurus) to a sneak peek of Without Sanctuary.  Our purpose was straightforward — to help generate a community-wide discussion about the exhibition and its relevance and meaning to contemporary audiences.  Our ground rules were simple:  there were no ground rules.  Each of the dozen bloggers who accepted our invite could write and post whatever they wanted, good, bad or indifferent.

From what’s been posted so far, the exhibition’s graphic (often grisly) lynching images evoke strong feelings and a range of emotions.  Here’s Michael R’s description:

“To say it was compelling would be a massive understatement. Over and over again, I was given a chance to bear witness and understand how awful and massively prevalent lynchings were. The message was clear: it didn’t just happen in the South, it wasn’t a few isolated nutters, it wasn’t just men, and it wasn’t just African-Americans.”

Or this, from the Girlfriendology blog:

“You will be disturbed as you ‘hear’ the voices of those who did not deserve their terrible fate. But hopefully you, like me, can live with being uncomfortable and saddened by this horrific legacy. It will cause you to think, to explore your emotions and prejudices, and will make you hopefully more vocal when it comes to standing up for others and for making sure the voices of victims are heard and the legacy we leave our children is one of awareness and responsibility for a better future.”

And David Bowman, quoted above, had this to say:

“While it is true that we have made significant progress as a nation, we must remember that we are not so far removed from our  these horrific days in our history.  As we move forward, we must not forget our past, but rather learn from it.  When we see injustice, we must have the courage to intervene.  When the very fabric of humanity is being ripped apart before blindly staring eyes, someone must have the courage to cast a light upon the darkness.”

Cincinnati’s morning newspaper, the Enquirer, also provided a generous review, based upon the reactions of first day visitors.  The article included this comment from visitor Byron Davis, who said he came to Without Sanctuary to pay respect to the victims of lynching:

“The human spirit must not be considered insignificant,” he said. “Each human soul is invaluable.”

If you come to see Without Sanctuary, let us know your reactions.  There are numerous opportunities within the exhibition itself to leave a journal entry, post a video reaction, or write something on a whiteboard.  Or post something on this website on the Freedom Blog and join the discussion about a dark, somber chapter in America’s long struggle for freedom.