Life’s smallest details often come together to form a profound, larger narrative. In this case, the “Small Wonders” exhibition is a perfect reflection of that idea—an exhibition of compact yet deeply powerful works. These pieces, though small in scale, carry echoes of history, culture, and memory. At Sasha More Art, we are honored to participate in this year’s Small Wonders exhibition. Our contribution, Alexander Squared, seeks to highlight the enduring legacy of the Middle Passage. It also emphasizes the tireless work of two remarkable women: Dr. Lynn M. Alexander and Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander. These women have made monumental contributions in identifying and preserving historical ports tied to the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Through their research, these vital locations—such as Annapolis—are remembered, honored, and preserved for future generations.

Annapolis, home to City Dock, is a UNESCO-designated Middle Passage Site Of Memory. The City Dock stands as a powerful reminder of where enslaved Africans first arrived in the Americas, making it one of the five Maryland ports of entry. These historical sites are not just places—they are symbols of profound human tragedy and resilience, forever linked to one of the most significant and painful chapters in our collective history. Between 1500 and 1866, over 12.5 million men, women, and children were transported from Africa to the Americas. Tragically, nearly 2 million perished along the way, succumbing to disease, torture, and suicide. While the majority of human cargo was received by high-volume ports in the Caribbean and South Carolina, approximately 140,000 enslaved individuals arrived in the Chesapeake region, including Annapolis. It is through the work of scholars like Dr. Lynn M. Alexander and Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander that these histories remain part of the public consciousness. Dr. Lynn M. Alexander’s dedication to public history has ensured the preservation of numerous sites connected to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, keeping these important locations at the forefront of scholarly discussion. Similarly, Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander’s work in African American history has played a vital role in preserving these narratives, particularly within public spaces and historical memory.

Alexander Squared serves as a tribute to these women, whose commitment has been instrumental in recognizing and preserving the significance of sites like City Dock in Annapolis. By spotlighting their work, we at Sasha More aim to honor the legacy of the Middle Passage and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about its lasting impact. Art, like these historical sites, acts as a vessel for memory. It bridges the past and present, creating space for reflection, healing, and transformation. Through our art, we hope to provoke meaningful conversations about our shared humanity and the importance of remembering these stories—stories that must never be lost to time.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Maryland Federation of Art, the City of Annapolis, and juror Tatiana Flores for this invaluable platform to explore the intersections of art and history. Tatiana Flores, a distinguished scholar of Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx art, has played an instrumental role in creating dialogues around historical and cultural narratives. Her critically acclaimed exhibition Relational Undercurrents has deepened the understanding of the Caribbean Archipelago’s stories, making her presence as a juror for this exhibition a true honor. Through these meaningful collaborations, we are reminded that something as seemingly small as a painting or a port marker can have a lasting impact. The exhibition of Alexander Squared at Circle Gallery this November marks an important step forward in ensuring that the stories of the enslaved are not forgotten. At Sasha More, we believe in providing art that aids in future-proofing the world through history, reflection, and meaning. This is what we strive to achieve in every piece we create. We hope that our contribution to the Small Wonders exhibition serves as a lasting tribute to those who have documented and preserved the history of the Middle Passage, and to the resilience of those whose lives were forever changed by it. Thank you for supporting art.