GREENSBORO, NC.- The Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNC Greensboro announces the fall exhibition Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice. This exhibition illuminates the extraordinary life and contributions of William H. Johnson (1901–1970), an artist associated with the Harlem Renaissance whose practice spanned several continents, as well as the contributions of the historical figures he depicted. The exhibition is drawn from the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection of more than thirteen hundred works by Johnson. It will be on view from September 6 to November 29, 2025.

Johnson painted his Fighters for Freedom series in the mid-1940s as a tribute to African American activists, scientists, teachers, and performers, as well as international heads of state, working to bring peace to the world. He celebrated their accomplishments even as he acknowledged the realities of racism, violence, and oppression that they faced and overcame. Some of his “Fighters”—Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Marian Anderson, and Mohandas Gandhi—are familiar figures; others are less well-known individuals whose determination and sacrifice have been eclipsed over time. Johnson elevates each of their lives, offering historical insights and fresh perspectives through a colorful palette and the addition of tiny buildings, flags, and vignettes that evoke their work. Through these stories, he suggests that the pursuit of freedom is an ongoing, interconnected struggle, with moments of both triumph and tragedy, and he invites us to reflect on our own struggles for justice today. With Fighters for Freedom, Johnson reminds us that individual achievement and a commitment to social justice are at the heart of the American story.

“Fighters for Freedom embodies the Weatherspoon’s conviction that connecting art, history, and community sparks reflection, dialogue, and action,” said Juliette Bianco, Anne and Ben Cone Memorial Endowed Director of the Weatherspoon Art Museum. “We are delighted to bring this powerful exhibition to UNC Greensboro and the broader Greensboro community, and deeply grateful to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Art Bridges for their partnership in making it possible. We also warmly invite everyone to take part in the vibrant, free programming our team—together with campus and community partners—has created to enrich and extend these conversations.”

Elaine D. Gustafson, curator of collections and head of facilities at the Weatherspoon, shared, “Fighters for Freedom provides a great opportunity for us to showcase an incredible artist who was inspired by the actions of both historical figures and his contemporaries. American history, global politics, mid-century culture, and more are some of the themes that are readily apparent in Johnson’s paintings. His images, rarely gathered in such number, provide timely opportunities for both group and individual exploration and learning.”

The Weatherspoon has created extensive in-gallery interpretation strategies to deepen visitors’ understanding of Johnson and the featured historical figures. Both written and audio information is available, as is a self-guided family guide to the exhibition. Additional elements include four visual descriptions of key works; an all-ages reading area that offers visitors a chance to gather, learn, and reflect; and an activity station featuring responses from visitors about people they consider fighters for freedom today.

A beautifully illustrated catalogue accompanies the exhibition, co-published by the Smithsonian American Art Museum in association with Scala Arts Publishers Inc. It is available for purchase ($34.95, softcover) online.

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice is organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum.