Gordon’s mural shows the artist in various stages of her creative process, reflecting the influence of her TSU art professors. In the composition, she portrays herself sculpting a terracotta bison, throwing pottery at a wheel, weaving at a loom, and drawing at an easel. A wispy fabric runs through the mural, a motif in some of her other works.
This mural by an unknown student artist reflects themes of emancipation and progress. The central figure of a shirtless Black man raises his fist, while broken chains dangle from his waist. Bales of cotton and chains signify slavery in the mural, while, on the right, Black men in various professions represent changes brought by emancipation.
US military, clock, large American flag, cross and Muslim crescent moon and star (hilal), wooden building, man’s legs morph into flag, turtle carrying embryos, unfinished - heavily damaged (right of door when ascending stairs from first floor)
moon with face, several hands, KKK, coin, predatory birds, various working class people, homeless man, preacher, graduate (holding a watermelon), hourglass, falcon, several large hands - minimal damage
railroad, eagle, sky different on both sides, birth/death, pregnant woman on left side, elder on right side, pain in center, dog looking back, possible reference to parting of the Red Sea, use of wall cutout to hide God’s face - small chips missing
American flag with pieces of corn, Dr. King, church, graveyard, preacher, emphasis on feeding and clothing Black children, globe and scale - small damage