The Works of Reg Adams

This painting was undertaken in honor of the African American celebration of Kwanzaa, which is a harvest celebration in keeping with continental African harvest celebrations. The fruits of the soil and human achievement flow from the value-centered philosophy of "Kawaida" (symbolized by the basket). Kawaida contends, "values are the hinge of which human possibilities turn." In other words, what you define as important and put first in your life determines your human possibilities. This painting is filled with the symbols of Kwanzaa e.g. Candle holder, Mkeka (mat), Corn, Kinte pattern and the colors of the Bendera (banner) Green, Red and Black.

This picture was inspired by a black and white sketch by wartime sketch artist William Tabor. It depicts desperate figting for the guns commanded by Federal Captain James B. Ricketts during the First Battle of Manassas (or First Bull Run). The blue clad 33rd Virginia Regiment attacked and eventually overran the gun positions as Ricketts withheld his fire because he mistook the approaching Confederates as Union reinforcements. First Manassas was the first major engagement of the war following on the heels of secession. The confederates wore into battle whatever uniforms they had at the time. This meant confederate who were once union soldiers wore union uniforms. This caused Captain Ricketts to misidentify the approaching enemy force.