5 pm
Tinkham Veale University Center, Ballroom B, 11038 Bellflower Road
“We Were Here" uncovers the hidden presence of African and Black individuals in Renaissance Europe, revealing their representation in masterpieces by iconic artists of the time. How did they come to Europe? Why were they portrayed? Were they all servants and slaves? The film challenges the conventional narrative that has long overlooked their significance in the works of these celebrated Renaissance masters. This multilingual journey spans the UK, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and France, offering a fresh perspective on European art history and cultural heritage. The documentary features interviews with prominent worldwide scholars of Art History, History, and Black Studies, aswell as Black activists and Art Curators, providing a comprehensive and nuanced view of this under-explored aspect of European history.
The film screening will be followed by a discussion with the director, Fred Kudjo Kuwornu.
This event is part of the 2026 Cleveland Humanities Festival: Freedom and is co-sponsored by the Departments of Art History and Art, English, and History, and the Program in Africana Studies.
Registration is requested. Register HERE.
About the Speaker:
Acclaimed director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu is a multi-hyphenate, socially engaged artist and scholar, recognized internationally for his groundbreaking work exploring the intersections of history, identity, and the African diaspora. Born and raised in Italy, Kuwornu is based in New York and holds triple citizenship - Italian, Ghanaian, and U.S. - a unique background that deeply informs his creative vision and cultural approach. In 2025, he was awarded the prestigious Dan David Prize, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for History,” which honors exceptional contributions to historical research and storytelling. He is also a 2025 Artistic Research Fellow at the renowned Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.
Click HERE to visit Fred Kudjo Kuwornus's website.
Click HERE to visit the We Were Here film website.