Opening Celebration - Black Behind Bars: The Untold Story of Black Biker Culture

Join us for the opening celebration of the Gantt Center's upcoming exhibition, Black Behind Bars: The Untold Story of Black Biker Culture. We are excited to feature the work of acclaimed photographer Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr.

Enjoy an evening of art and culture with appearances by the artist Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. and the curators Dr. Keith Cradle and Ricky Singh. Freely tour this incredible exhibition and enjoy savory bites!

This exhibit is a striking visual exploration of Black biker culture and its profound impact on identity, mental well-being, and community. Black Behind Bars highlights the open road as a sanctuary, offering freedom, healing, and resilience. It challenges stereotypes and illuminates the therapeutic power of riding, where the hum of an engine becomes a form of meditation.

Black bikers have long contributed to American motorcycle culture, yet their history remains untold. This exhibit urges viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about both bike culture and its riders. It invites an understanding that transcends stereotypes—to acknowledge the strength of community, the necessity of mental health support, and the value of genuine second chances.

Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr., a native of Rockford, Illinois, is a photographer and image activist based in Charlotte, recognized for his striking black-and-white documentary work. Immersed in motorcycle culture from an early age, Jacobs grew up near the world’s oldest family-owned Harley-Davidson dealership and was influenced by his father's motorcycle clubhouse, established in 1977. These experiences fostered a profound connection to the biker community, which he now captures through photography.

Jacobs honed his craft on the front lines of America's social justice movements, capturing pivotal moments in cities such as Ferguson, MO; Minneapolis, MN; New York City; and Charlottesville, VA. His distinctive aesthetic is marked by a propensity to highlight stark contrast and work in black and white – both in photography and the world. He also contributed to the award-winning exhibit, K(NO)W Justice, K(NO)W Peace, at Levine Museum of the New South. In 2018, Jacobs was named the Harvey B. Gantt Center's artist-in-residence, during which he produced the award-winning exhibition Welcome to Brookhill, a compelling visual narrative of Charlotte's historic Brookhill Village. This work earned him recognition as one of Charlotte Magazine's "Charlotteans of the Year" and Creative Loafing's "Best Photographer of 2018.”