The Brooklyn Rail

My sister, Lisa Farrington, is a wonderfully creative soul—passionate, courageous, and deeply committed to the pursuit of truth. She is the product of our loving biracial parents, who instilled in all of us a strong sense of expression, diversity, creativity, tolerance, and inclusiveness. These values were not just spoken but lived out daily, shaping who we are and what we stand for. Lisa, in particular, took those teachings and turned them into a mission: to reveal hidden truths, challenge historical inaccuracies, and uplift the voices and cultures that have long been misrepresented or ignored.

I give honor to my parents, their values, and to Lisa and my three other sisters by sharing my truth about the impact of Lisa’s work. Her commitment to the truth, her bravery in sharing it, and the elegant, accessible way she presents it all shine through in her research and public engagements. Lisa’s work serves as a mirror—reflecting back the richness, complexity, and dignity of cultures that many have tried to minimize or erase. It tells the story of a world that has always been interconnected, vibrant, and far more inclusive than history books often suggest.

Lisa’s research makes it clear that African civilizations—and African people—have historically been recognized as sophisticated, intellectual, diplomatic, and militarily strong. Through visual art and scholarly commentary, she reveals the beauty, depth, and influence of African heritage. Her work also exposes the consequences of misinformation and misguided arrogance: how falsehoods, when institutionalized, can distort our understanding of the world and divide us from one another. These distortions don’t just harm those who are misrepresented; they weaken the social fabric and rob everyone of the opportunity to see humanity in its full, diverse glory.

One experience remains etched in my mind. I was in New York on business and, as always, reached out to family. Lisa was scheduled to give a presentation of her work, and I was fortunate to attend. I sat in the audience, proud and excited to see her in action. As her presentation unfolded, I watched her illuminate artistic truths—images and facts that directly challenged the audience’s preconceived notions. Initially, the crowd seemed intrigued. But as the reality of what they were seeing sank in, their curiosity turned to discomfort, and then to hostility. Some resisted the truth so strongly that they began to verbally attack the messenger—my sister.

That moment hurt me on two levels. First, it was painful to see the truth rejected so viscerally. Second, it was deeply personal to watch my sister, who was simply sharing research and documented facts, become the target of that rejection. It showed me how deeply people cling to the narratives they’ve been taught, and how threatened they can feel when those narratives are challenged.

Yet, even in that charged environment, a glimmer of hope emerged. A few audience members stood up—not to attack Lisa, but to support her. They challenged the hostility in the room and urged others to open their hearts and minds. They reminded everyone that truth deserves space, even when it’s uncomfortable. That moment gave me strength. It confirmed that while resistance exists, so does a hunger for clarity, connection, and truth.

Lisa’s work is part of a much larger story—one that reaches back to ancient civilizations, long before racism took root in society. In those times, people lived in richly diverse communities shaped by mutual respect, trade, and collaboration. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, for example, African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cultures mixed fluidly. Egyptian society welcomed traders, scholars, and diplomats from surrounding regions. This exchange of ideas enriched their art, religion, language, and science. Diversity was seen as a strength, not a threat.

Later, during the Renaissance, cities like Florence became cultural crossroads. Artists, scientists, and thinkers from all over Europe and beyond gathered to exchange knowledge and create beauty. The brilliance of figures like Leonardo da Vinci was, in part, a product of this vibrant mixing of perspectives. Collaboration between people of different backgrounds spurred innovation and human advancement. These historical moments remind us that we thrive not in isolation, but in unity.

Even social traditions and festivals once served to bring diverse people together. Harvest celebrations, seasonal festivals, and religious ceremonies offered opportunities for different communities to learn from one another and form lasting bonds. These were times of joy, learning, and connection—reminders that people can celebrate their differences while working toward common goals.

Lisa’s work revives this understanding of history. It urges us to move beyond distorted narratives and toward a fuller, richer view of the world and our place in it. It reminds us that we come from a legacy of inclusion, not division. And it challenges us to restore that legacy—not just in museums and lecture halls, but in our everyday interactions, decisions, and communities.

In a world that still struggles with division and prejudice, Lisa Farrington’s voice is both timely and timeless. She is not just my sister—she is a beacon of truth, courage, and creativity. I am proud of her, inspired by her, and grateful to witness her impact. Through her, I am reminded that art, history, and truth are powerful tools for healing and transformation. And through my words, I honor her journey—and all of ours.