Streetcar Scene

John Woodrow Wilson

1945 · Lithograph · Modern and Contemporary Art

A Boston Navy Yard worker, dressed in overalls and cap and carrying a metal lunch box, proudly wears his employee badge. Like many other African Americans he has grasped the opportunity to serve his country during the war by working in the newly desegregated defense industry. Yet, despite such progress in hiring practices, racial prejudice still affects his daily existence. Riding the public transportation system to work, surrounded by well-dressed ladies who eye him suspiciously, the man seems isolated but boldly defiant.

Artist

John Woodrow Wilson

Date

1945

Medium

Lithograph

Department

Modern and Contemporary Art

Credit line

Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 1999