Sage Ni'Ja Whitson's Powerful Exhibition Memorializes Black Trans Deaths Across the United States
Between 2021 and 2025, Black nonbinary artist Sage Ni'Ja Whitson embarked on a profound and challenging journey, visiting 91 locations across 15 states where trans, gender nonconforming, or intersex individuals had died, either by murder or suicide. At each site, Whitson conducted a personal ceremony to bear witness to the tragedies, creating a moving tribute now showcased in the solo exhibition 'These Walking Glories' at the California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles.
'It was very challenging in ways that I'm continuing to mend from and rest with,' Whitson shared. 'It is not inexpensive on my body and spirit. That cost I knew would be there.' The exhibition, which runs until April 5, features a variety of photos and other pieces that document these ceremonies, serving as a powerful testament to the ongoing violence affecting racial and gender minorities.
Central Pieces and Ceremonial Practices
One of the exhibition's central elements is a series of 90 pedestals, each standing exactly 61 inches tall to encourage audiences to slow down and interact with reverence. 'It was an important decision so that there would be a reverential distance,' Whitson explained, drawing inspiration from Yoruba tradition shrines. Atop each pedestal rests a jar containing essences developed from materials gathered at the corresponding site, alongside a velvet stole bearing the name of the deceased. Two pedestals remain unnamed, honoring unknown individuals.
Whitson's process involved collecting materials from diverse locations, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, the Bronx, Harlem, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Montgomery, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Baton Rouge. Using herbalism training, they transformed these gleanings into liquid essences. Each ceremony included rituals such as checking in with the land for permission, making offerings of herbs, sage, tobacco, and other materials, and praying through words, songs, or meditations to invoke the spirits of the deceased.
Challenges and Community Engagement
The work often placed Whitson in potentially dangerous situations. For instance, while honoring Bonaire 'Bonnie' Black in an Atlanta parking garage, they attracted unwanted attention and had to leave prematurely. 'I had to move quickly because I was afraid to be noticed by folks who were there to do their business. It was just less safe for me to be there,' they recounted.
An integral part of Whitson's practice was engaging with local transgender communities. Whenever possible, they facilitated story-sharing circles where Black trans, gender nonconforming, and intersex people could share survival stories, often intersecting with resilience efforts like DJ parties, fundraisers for unhoused individuals, and advocacy work. 'It really became important that the work needed to celebrate the lives and stories of the living, while also honoring the losses,' Whitson said. 'It became a beautiful network of people, and it was just heartwarming to me.'
Timeliness and Impact
Initiated in 2021, 'These Walking Glories' has become increasingly timely amid a wave of anti-trans legislation and violence, described by the Human Rights Campaign as an 'epidemic' disproportionately affecting Black trans women. 'Now when trans people are experiencing a government attempt to erase our identities, it's another kind of death, in addition to the epidemic of murders,' Whitson noted. 'It's the systemic erasure by this federal government. It feels more than important to be doing this now.'
The project has also been a transformative experience for Whitson, who has been part of a CAAM residency since 2022. 'This project for sure gifted me the courage to stand and commit to the vision of a work,' they reflected. Cameron Shaw, CAAM's executive director and chief curator, emphasized the museum's commitment: 'Supporting this work through CAAM's residency program reflects the Museum's ongoing commitment to Black artistic practices that hold complexity, expand boundaries, and create frameworks for healing.'
Despite the emotional and financial toll of crisscrossing America for years, Whitson remains dedicated to this vital work. 'Building the spiritual vitality of trans communities – of Black trans communities – is worthy work that's important to our survival,' they affirmed. 'It's work that I want to continue.'
