The Discovery of Leana and the Hidden Stories of American Art

Through meticulous investigation of notary records, genealogical archives, and historical documentation, researcher Ja'el Gordon uncovered the name and background of Leana, a young woman from Chickasaw County, Mississippi, who was purchased by slave trader William Lambeth Sr. following his wife's death in childbirth. The presentation will demonstrate how art historical research can challenge traditional narratives that have historically marginalized enslaved individuals as anonymous figures, instead revealing their humanity and individual stories.

Participants will analyze the painting's composition and the social dynamics it represents, exploring how this discovery transforms our understanding of both the artwork and the complex family and racial relationships in the antebellum American South. This research exemplifies how dedicated scholarship can give voice to those who were "stripped of their identities" and demonstrates the power of art to serve as both historical document and memorial, ultimately showing how one painting can illuminate broader truths about slavery, family structures, and the recovery of lost histories.

About the Lecturer

Louisiana native Ja’el “YaYa” Gordon is a professional historian and genealogist who specializes in interpreting antebellum history, genetic genealogy, Descendant group research, and conducting oral history interviews. Ja’el has more than 20 years of experience as a researcher with a special focus on the Deep South antebellum/plantation history. Most notability, due to her expertise and knowledge, Ja’el is a contributing writer and researcher for ARRAY’s newest learning companion, the Queen Sugar 101 Learning Companion (queensugar101.org), which is based on the critically-acclaimed OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network series Queen Sugar created by filmmaker Ava DuVernay. Her expertise also includes repository research, collection curation, exhibition installations, transcribing and indexing, cemetery preservation, database management, and conducting genealogy and history-related workshops.

Host or Publisher The Helis Foundation John Scott Center