Collective Freedom

Research shows that freedom and personal choice are important to happiness and well-being. But what does it really mean to be free? What does freedom look, feel, smell, or sound like? How do we build freedom, and how do we protect it?

History shows us what can happen when freedom is taken away. The lasting impact of slavery and oppression reminds us why protecting freedom matters. For 160 years, communities have celebrated Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, as a time to learn from the past, celebrate resilience, and come together to build a stronger future rooted in freedom.  

Freedom in Layers

Untangling the past is not easy, and freedom in America has been complicated. In honor of Juneteenth 2026, this exhibit brings together artists whose work explores freedom through identity, memory, empathy, and human connection.  Through layered imagery, vibrant color, and expressive forms, Rob Hill, Moe Gram, and Alexa Mosley examine the complexities that shape both individual and collective experience. 

Their practices reflect the ongoing pursuit of liberation—not only as a historical milestone, but as an evolving act of self-definition, community-building, and compassion. Together, these artists invite viewers to consider freedom as something deeply personal, profoundly communal, and continually unfolding.

This exhibit was organized in collaboration with CHCO’s Team Member Resource Group, The Afrocentric Network (T.A.N.), a group that​ creates space for inclusive opportunities, discussions, education and celebrations, as a goal of the Experience Different strategy. T.A.N. is specifically about celebrating team members who identify as Black, African and/or African-American and Team Members interested in helping Children’s as we celebrate Black culture, people, history and more.