Allegiance

Flag Installation and Portrait Series

“Allegiance” examines the purpose and symbolism of flags. The installation stands as a representation of a people staking claim to their cultural landscape, ancestral memory, and communal wellbeing.

What does it look like for a historical community to claim space in an area that seeks to challenge its right to exist and thrive? 

Portraits of Givens community members fly high on flag posts, to be saluted for their work and contributions to the very fabric of east Austin. The flags are a reminder to respect the history of Givens park and to acknowledge the communities it continues to serve.

Take a look into the lives of the members of the Givens community, hear their stories, and witness their truths.

The Allegiance flag installation is in conjunction with “Givens Swims,” a Forklift Danceworks Production, and is made possible through a partnership with Art in Public Places. Allegiance will be up at Givens Park from Saturday, July 27th September 21st 2019.

Community Members and Participants

The Installation

Interviews

Givens historic community members talk about some of their first experiences dating from the 1960s to the 2000s at Givens Park in east Austin. Video features interviews with Cordelia Brazziell, Nena Mamou, Kurtiss Colvin, Ericka Taylor, Priscilla Hale, Kathy Swain, Cordele Hopes, and Uszee McKoy. Video created by Cindy Elizabeth. All interviews and images were conducted and taken by Cindy Elizabeth.
Givens historic community members talk about their memories at Givens Pool in east Austin. Video features interviews with Cordelia Brazziell, Nena Mamou, Kurtiss Colvin, Ericka Taylor, Priscilla Hale, Kathy Swain, Cordele Hopes, and Uszee McKoy. Video created by Cindy Elizabeth. All interviews and images were conducted and taken by Cindy Elizabeth.
Givens historic community members talk about their hopes for the future of Givens Park, Recreation Center, and pool in east Austin. Video features interviews with Cordelia Brazziell, Nena Mamou, Kurtiss Colvin, Ericka Taylor, Priscilla Hale, Kathy Swain, Cordele Hopes, and Uszee McKoy. Video created by Cindy Elizabeth. All interviews and images were conducted and taken by Cindy Elizabeth.


The Pledge