UpbeatA jar made in bondage comes home: Hampton University Museum to exhibit David Drake's vessel
David Drake — known as Dave the Potter — was enslaved in South Carolina and made an estimated 40,000 stoneware jars, defying anti-literacy laws by inscribing his name and poems onto vessels he was never allowed to own. More than 150 years later, his descendants are lending one of his historic jars to the Hampton University Museum, making it the first historically Black university to exhibit his work. The vessel, previously owned by artist Theaster Gates, who transferred ownership to Drake's heirs in May 2026, will be unveiled during Homecoming on October 21. 'It is indeed an honor,' says museum director Dr Vanessa Thaxton-Ward.
The upbeat factoran artist who signed his work at mortal risk finally takes his place — exhibited by his own descendants' choice.
SDG 10 · Reduced inequalities — Mechanism: institutional program
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