Collector shares powerful history through “Forgotten Images” Artifact Exhibit

Over the years, McLucas has collected nearly 20,000 items, many of which were once used during the eras of slavery, Jim Crow laws and the Civil Rights Movement. These artifacts are now part of the “Forgotten Images” exhibit, which aims to educate the public about these difficult chapters of American history.

McLucas’s interest in collecting began years ago at a flea market in Long Beach. While browsing, he came across a small, cast-iron bank that included offensive racial text on the back. The item sparked his curiosity and led him to discover a large amount of historical memorabilia connected to the African American experience.

^{Forgotten Images: African American Artifacts Exhibit” owner and curator, David McLucas, is seen waiting to start the tour for students previewing the exhibit on Tuesday, Mar. 10 at LBCC’s Liberal Arts Campus student union area. This is one of McLucas’ last remaining dates for his exhibit before he starts up again next year. (Keith Lewis)}

“I load up my Ford Expedition and trailer full of stuff from White and Black people from all over the country, antique stores and, believe it or not, there are quite a few artifacts that were considered family heirlooms that were donated,” said McLucas.

Born and raised in Oxnard, California, McLucas also has roots in Kansas City, Kansas. His personal connection to history runs deep. His great-grandmother was once enslaved in New Orleans, and his mother is from the Creek Indian Nation.

The “Forgotten Images” exhibit has been featured at numerous locations over the past 12 years, including high schools, community colleges and cultural institutions throughout Long Beach and surrounding cities. It was also featured at the Museum of Latin American Art during the Afro LatinX Festival in 2022, presented by the Port of Long Beach.

During tours of the exhibit, McLucas shares detailed historical information about many of the artifacts. Some items include chains and shackles dating back to the mid-1800s, with some pieces dating as far back as 1857.

“My goal is to show the public the truth and allow them to actually hold and feel the trauma that our ancestors carried,” said McLucas.

^{“Forgotten Images: African American Artifacts Exhibit” David McLucas (left) Deonte Lawrence (right) is explaining to an LBCC student a portion of the exhibit on Tuesday, March 10. Lawrence is seen listening intently to the information being taught by McLucas (Keith Lewis)}

Students who visited the exhibit described the experience as powerful and educational.

LBCC student Deonte Lawrence said he was intrigued by the artifacts and the stories behind them.

“It was a great exhibit. There were key stories that are part of our history and still deserve to be talked about,” Lawrence said.

Another LBCC student, Patricia Glover, was seen exploring the exhibit between classes, emotional while taking photos and videos of the artifacts.

“This is very emotional. It’s beyond important to see these things on display here,” Glover said.

Glover added that she often reflects on the sacrifices made by previous generations.

“I do this in my spare time with all of my 140 nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. People do not realize how our ancestors died for us to be free,” she said.

^{LBCC student Patricia Glover previews the “Forgotten Images: African American Artifacts Exhibit” held at LBCC’s Liberal Arts Campus on Tuesday, Mar. 10. Glover outside of school takes time to address Black history 140 nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. (Keith Lewis)}

The exhibit also includes items connected to racial stereotypes in American culture, such as Aunt Jemima memorabilia and displays about Black cowboys. One of the most striking artifacts is a slave plantation bell that was used to signal enslaved people on plantations.

“At sunrise, they rang the bell to let the slaves know it was time to work. At sunset, they rang it to let them know work was over. If it was a full moon, you continued to work through the night,” said McLucas.

Today, McLucas incorporates the bell into the exhibit in a symbolic way. At the end of each tour, visitors are invited to ring the bell and share a few words of gratitude for the struggles and sacrifices made by Black ancestors.

^{LBCC students and faculty previewing the “Forgotten Images: African American Artifacts Exhibit” on Tuesday, Mar. 10. The exhibit featured memorabilia and antique artifacts from the time of slavery, Jim Crow laws and the civil rights era. (Keith Lewis)}

LBCC student and cybersecurity major Mayro Vasquez said the exhibit opened his eyes to parts of history he had not seen before.

“I just stepped in, but this stuff is eye-opening,” Vasquez said. “I’m a little mad at the recent cancel culture, though, because the history that’s on display is important and we should be able to see this stuff.”

Although McLucas’ seasonal exhibition will conclude in May, he believes its message is more important than ever.

“My friend in North Carolina also holds exhibits with similar artifacts and he’s having a hard time getting booked out there,” McLucas said. “I get that in California, we are a bit more liberal than North Carolina, but the idea is to preserve and educate. We can still do something.”The “Forgotten Images” exhibit was also featured at LBCC’s Trade, Technology and Community Learning Campus on Feb. 19.