Philadelphia Exhibition Celebrates Pioneering Black Shaker Leader Rebecca Cox Jackson
An exhibition at Philadelphia's Institute of Contemporary Art highlights the life and legacy of Rebecca Cox Jackson, a pioneering Black woman who founded the only Black-led Shaker community in the city during the 19th century. The exhibit, "A World in…
Philadelphia, PA, August 5, 2026 —
An exhibition at Philadelphia’s Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is shedding light on the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Rebecca Cox Jackson, a significant figure in 19th-century American history.
The exhibit, titled “A World in the Making: The Shakers,” focuses on Jackson’s role as a pioneering Black woman who established the sole Black-led Shaker community in Philadelphia. The display delves into Jackson’s revolutionary beliefs and her profound relationship with her companion, Rebecca Perot.
The nature of Jackson and Perot’s connection is now widely considered queer, a perspective acknowledged by the Philadelphia LGBT Mapping Project, which documents LGBTQ+ history and sites in the city. This recognition underscores the evolving understanding of historical relationships and identities.
Through “A World in the Making: The Shakers,” visitors can explore the contributions and philosophy of Rebecca Cox Jackson, a woman who navigated complex social and religious landscapes to found a unique spiritual community. The exhibition aims to provide a comprehensive look at her life, work, and the broader context of the Shaker movement in America.
The Institute of Contemporary Art continues to be a venue for exploring underrepresented histories and artistic expressions, offering a platform for narratives that contribute to a more complete understanding of the past.
Story summarized from the original created by Rosa Cartagena on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
