What does it mean to be Human?

Through a series of intimate and reflective works, artist Amanda Mendoza explores what it means to be seen as human within systems that determine whose rights are protected and whose are denied. In collaboration with project researcher Gamze Ozker, the exhibition intertwines art and history to reveal how compassion and dignity have been stripped away—and reclaimed—through struggles for human rights. Each piece becomes an act of remembrance and resistance, urging us to look closer, feel deeply, and honor the shared humanity that connects us all.

Salons at Stowe: What are human rights?

February 4 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Salons at Stowe: How can we see others as human?

March 4 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Salons at Stowe: How can we stand up for humanity?

April 1 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Meet the Creators:

Amanda Mendoza
Amanda MendozaArtist
Amanda's Website

Biography:
Amanda Mendoza is an artist, muralist and curator who aims to create a legacy of advocacy, resilience and community healing through social justice art initiatives. Amanda’s artistic philosophy is that art can do more than decorate spaces; it can heal and connect communities.

Artist Statement:
What does it mean to be Human? is an exploration of how our humanity is too often weighed against systems of power, legality, and belonging. This exhibition calls viewers to reflect on moments throughout history when people’s humanity has been devalued, overlooked, and treated as “less than.”

Through this body of artwork, I reflect on my experiences as a first-generation Latine American and the tension of belonging—not quite American enough, not quite Latino enough. Yet while my personal story informs this work, the deeper intention reaches far beyond one identity or experience. It invites us all to confront how easily empathy can fade when society begins to divide who is worthy of rights, safety, or compassion.

Witnessing the growing violence, discrimination, and stripping of rights faced by immigrants within the United States, I turned my focus toward using art as a vehicle for reflection and dialogue. The central question—What does it mean to be human?—asks us not only to examine our shared values, but also to question who is allowed to fully experience them. Who is seen, protected, and given dignity? And who continues to be denied those most basic forms of recognition?

Each piece in the exhibition is rooted in deep emotion—hope, grief, and resilience. Through minimal color palettes and symbolic imagery such as hands and elements of nature, I explore the duality of our human capacity: the power of our hands to destroy or to build, to harm or to heal. These symbols act as a bridge between the viewer and the work, inviting reflection on our shared responsibility in shaping the world around us.

I aim to create visual and emotional spaces where viewers can feel, even briefly, the weight of what it means to be seen—or not seen—as fully human. At the same time, I hope to awaken the belief that lives within all of us: that despite our differences, we are all driven by the same desire for happiness, safety, and the hope that future generations will thrive. Above all, this work is a reminder that every person, regardless of race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability, is deserving of their basic human rights and dignity.

While the work reflects on the experiences of immigrants, it also draws connections to broader histories of dehumanization—the enslavement of African peoples, the displacement of Indigenous communities, and the ongoing genocides and humanitarian crises unfolding across the globe. These injustices reveal how deeply the struggle for human rights is intertwined across borders, generations, and identities.

For me, art is both a form of activism and an act of healing. It allows us to hold space for difficult truths while also imagining something better. I hope this exhibition moves viewers to reflect, to feel empathy, and to recognize our shared responsibility in protecting one another’s humanity.

Ultimately, What does it mean to be Human? is both a question and a call to action. It urges us to see beyond difference…to remember that being human is not a privilege to be earned, but a truth we all share.

Gamze Ozker
Gamze OzkerResearcher
Gamze's Website

Biography:
Gamze Ozker holds an M.A. in Human Rights from the University of Connecticut. Guided by a commitment to honoring human dignity and fostering dialogue across differences, she brings a human rights lens to the exhibition’s exploration of belonging and solidarity.

Researcher Statement:
Although What does it mean to be Human? opens with a question, it does not pursue a definitive answer or suggest one is possible. Instead, it offers a moment for viewers to pause and reflect on the experiences and emotions that often go unnoticed in their daily lives.

The accompanying research expands this space by introducing a human rights lens that provides a wider interpretative frame. Thus it helps connect individual experiences to the larger structural conditions that determine who is protected and whose vulnerabilities are more easily overlooked. This rights-based approach also recenters dignity as a core principle, without forcing viewers into polarized debates.

Amid today’s global climate of instability, many of us find ourselves living with exhaustion and unease. This raises a difficult question: when conflicts inflict widespread civilian harm, climate change fuels disasters, and authoritarian regimes across the world suppress civil liberties, how do we hold on to hope and continue to extend compassion while the world feels increasingly uncertain and fragile? Though there are no easy resolutions, hope becomes a form of resilience rather than naïve optimism. That resilience grows from embracing our interdependence and cultivating a willingness to listen to each other, even when the urge to react is strong. In this way, the exhibition is an invitation to remain present and to stay with conversations that require patience.

What are human rights ?

Human rights are principles that define freedoms and protections, grounded in moral claims, and expressed through legal, political, and social practices.They are not granted by institutions or governments, but inherently belong to everyone, regardless of race, socio-economic status, religion, gender, or any other status.

While the core principles don’t change, the scope and application of human rights continue to evolve with political and social developments.

Where do human rights come from ?

Many past societies engaged with questions about justice, responsibilities, and who was entitled to property or protection. Yet human rights, in their modern form, were institutionalized only after World War II with the creation of the United Nations in 1945, and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Why do human rights matter ?

Human rights establish standards for justice, equality, and security that allow people to live with dignity and respect.They are reflected in domestic laws and international treaties. 

When these rights are ignored or undermined, people, especially the most vulnerable groups, face greater risks of discrimination and exploitation.Beyond individual effects, violations also lead to broader consequences including social instability and economic disruption.

Who holds the responsibility for upholding human rights ?

Governments hold the primary responsibility to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of all individuals under their jurisdiction. Such efforts are supported by international organizations that work with member governments. These organizations monitor  compliance and provide assistance when rights are at risk. However, we all share a civic responsibility to uphold and respect these rights, as their realization also depends on our collective effort and commitment.

What difference can knowing your rights make ?

Human rights may intersect with politics, but they are not ideological and should never be exploited for political agendas that distort their purpose. They empower people to access protections and opportunities, while giving them the knowledge to recognize unfair treatment and take action against injustice.

What can you do if you believe your human rights have been violated?

When rights are violated, the first step usually involves seeking help through available domestic channels. Individuals can report the issue to state or federal authorities, or reach out to national human rights organizations. Depending on the nature of the violation, this may include consulting a human rights or civil rights lawyer, submitting a formal complaint, and gathering evidence such as documents, photos, or witness statements to support the case. If national remedies are  exhausted, unavailable, or inaccessible, individuals can contact international human rights bodies.

“ We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

–Preamble to the United States Constitution

Human rights in the United States, much like in other Western societies, emerged slowly and did not follow a linear path. Over the centuries, these rights have been expanded and reframed in response to evolving debates over citizenship, equality, and the pursuit of justice.  This timeline highlights the key moments in this ongoing evolution.

Founding Principles

1776 –  The Declaration of Independence: Proclaimed equality and rights, however in practice these principles applied mainly to white, property owning men. Foundational in principle rather than legally binding

1787 – The Constitution of the United States of America : Established the constitutional framework for American government and a foundation for future expansion of civil and political rights

1790 – Naturalization Act of 1790: The first federal law to define eligibility for citizenship by naturalization. This right was limited to “free white persons” of good moral character who had resided in the United States for at least two years

1791 – The Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing civil liberties including freedoms of speech, press, religion, and due process. Affirmed that unenumerated rights remain with the people

Enslavement, Citizenship, and Reconstruction

1808 – Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade: Following Britain’s lead, the United States formally ended its participation in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, banning the legal importation of enslaved Africans into the country. Despite the law, illegal trafficking continued for decades

1830 – Indian Removal Act: Signed by President Andrew Jackson, the law authorized the forced relocation of Indigenous people from their homelands, east of Mississippi, to the West. Thousands were forcibly displaced, including the Cherokee, whose removal became known as the “Trail of Tears”

1857 – Dred Scott v. Sandford: The United States Supreme Court ruled that enslaved people were not citizens, and therefore had no standing to sue in federal court. The decision also declared that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories.

1863 – The Emancipation Proclamation : The proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln,  declared enslaved people in the rebelling Confederate states “forever free”. Although it did not abolish slavery nationwide, this proclamation redefined the Civil War as a fight for emancipation and enabled African Americans to enlist in the Union Army.

1865 – The 13th Amendment : Abolished enslavement and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for crime. 

1866 – Civil Rights Act of 1866: The first federal civil rights law in United States history. Overrode President Andrew Johnson’s veto, and declared all individuals born in the United States (with the exception of Indigenous people) to be citizens. Guaranteed equal rights to own property and access the courts.

1868 – The 14th Amendment: Granted citizenship to all persons, born or naturalized, in the United States, including formerly enslaved people. Prohibited states from depriving any person of life, liberty or property without due process, and guaranteed equal protection under the law. 

1870 – The 15th Amendment: Final Reconstruction Amendment. Prohibited the federal and state governments from denying any male citizen the right to vote on the basis of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. 

1875 – Civil Rights Act of 1875: Guaranteed all persons equal access to public accommodations such as inns, transportation, and theaters, and prohibited racial discrimination in jury service

Segregation, Displacement, and Early Rights Movements

1883 – The Civil Rights Cases: The Supreme Court ruled that federal protections against racial discrimination in public places did not apply to private businesses, ending national enforcement of equal access until 1964

1896 – Plessy v. Ferguson: The United States Supreme Court ruled that Louisiana’s Separate Car Act did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment as long as the facilities were “separate but equal”. Provided constitutional legitimacy for Jim Crow laws.

1920 – The 19th Amendment : Granted women the constitutional right to vote. Despite ratification, many women, particularly women of color, remained excluded under discriminatory state laws and practices

1924 – Indian Citizenship Act : Extended U.S citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States, but many were still denied the right to vote

1929 – 1936 Mexican Repatriation : During the Great Depression, between 400,00 and 1.8 million Mexicans and Mexican Americans were pressured or coerced to leave

1934 – Indian Reorganization Act (Wheeler – Howard Act): Ended the policy of dividing tribal lands and restored a measure of tribal self-government. The Act recognized tribal governments, encouraged written constitutions, supported education, and prioritized Native hiring in the Bureau of Indian Affairs

1935 – Social Security Act: Established the first federal system of old age benefits, funded by payroll taxes, and launched programs for families with children and public health, but never adapted into law or constitutional amendment

1941 – Executive Order 8802: Prohibition of Discrimination in the Defense Industry (1941): Issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to ban discrimination in defense industries and federal employment. It created the Fair Employment Practices Committee, marking the first federal action to promote equal opportunity in the workplace

1942 – Japanese American Incarceration: Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 and authorized the forced displacement and incarceration of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans, citing national security concerns. 

1944 – Second Bill of Rights (The Economic Bill of Rights): Proposed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for expanding the economic and social rights, including employment, housing and healthcare

1948 – Shelley v. Kraemer: The Supreme Court ruled that judicial enforcement of racially restrictive housing covenants violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, affirming the right of Black Americans to purchase and own property free from state-enforced discrimination

1948 – Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Guided by Eleanor Roosevelt at the United Nations. The Declaration – adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948 (Resolution 217 A [III]– established the first universal articulation of human rights and freedoms. While not legally binding, it affirmed the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all individuals.

Civil Rights and Equality

1954 – Brown v. Board of Education: The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, declaring separate educational facilities were inherently unequal 

1957  – Civil Rights Act of 1957: The first federal civil rights law since Reconstruction period. Established the U.S. Civil Rights Commission and authorized federal enforcement of voting rights

1962 – Migration and Refugee Assistance Act: Authorized U.S. participation in international refugee and migration programs through contributions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other international organizations. Created the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund to meet unexpected urgent needs.

1963 – Equal Pay Act: Prohibited sex-based wage discrimination between men and women in the same establishment who perform jobs requiring equal skill, effort and responsibility under similar working conditions. Allowed wage differentials only based on a seniority, or a merit system.

1964 – Civil Rights Act of 1964: Outlawed racial segregation and discrimination in public accommodations, education, and federally funded programs. 

1965 – Immigration and Nationality Act (Hart – Celler Act): Abolished the national origins quota system that had limited immigration largely to Western Europe. Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, and established a new framework prioritizing family reunification and skilled immigration. As a result, migration to the United States has significantly diversified

1965 – Voting Rights Act : Prohibited discrimination in voting based on race, color, or language minority status. Required certain jurisdictions to obtain federal approval before changing voting rules

1968 – The Civil Rights Act (Fair Housing Act): Enacted as Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Prohibited discrimination in sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, or national origin. Established federal authority to enforce fair housing rights and promote equal access to housing

1968 – Indian Civil Rights Act (Indian Bill of Rights):  Extended many of the protections guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution to individuals living under tribal governments, including freedom of speech, religion, and due process. Although attempted the ensure equal rights within tribal jurisdictions, the law raised concerns about potential conflicts between tribal sovereignty and traditional governance

1972 – Title IX of the Education Amendments: Ensured equal access to educational opportunities and protections against sex-based harassment, sexual violence, pregnancy discrimination, and unequal athletic or academic opportunities

1973 – Roe v. Wade : The Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional right to liberty under the Fourteenth Amendment includes the right to decide whether to continue a pregnancy. The Court affirmed that the right to privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment covers the decision to end a pregnancy before fetal viability, overturning state restrictions on abortion

1975 – Education for All Handicapped Children Act: Guaranteed the right to a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities, affirming the right to inclusion, who were previously denied access to education and opportunities to learn

Inclusion and Accessibility

1980 – The Refugee Act: Amended the earlier Immigration and Nationality Act and the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act to create a permanent system for refugee admission and resettlement. The Act aligned U.S. policy with international standards, raised admission limits, and established the Office of Refugee Resettlement

1982 ­– Plyler v. Doe: The Supreme Court established that all children in the United States have the right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status. The Court ruled that denying schooling to undocumented children violates the Constitution’s promise of equal protection and harms both the students and the society

1986  – The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA):  Requires hospitals to provide emergency medical care to all individuals in need, without discrimination on the basis of financial status or ability to pay

1988 – Civil Liberties Act of 1988: Signed by President Ronald Reagan, the Act recognized that the internment was caused by racial prejudice, wartime hysteria, and a failure of political leadership. The U.S. government formally apologized and granted $20,000 in redress to Japanese Americans who had been incarcerated during World War II. The law also created a public education fund to help prevent future recurrences  

1990 – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in public life, employment, transportation, and government services. Affirmed that disability rights are civil rights and ensured equal access and opportunity nationwide

Global Commitments and Rights in Transition

1994 – International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD):  The United States ratified the treaty in 1994 with reservations limiting direct domestic enforceability. This treaty requires countries to eliminate racial discrimination in all forms to ensure equality in law, education, housing, and public life

1996 – Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA): Defined marriage under federal law as a union between one man and one woman and allowed states to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states

2003 – Lawrence v. Texas:  Affirmed that the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause protects the right of consenting adults to engage in private, intimate conduct without government interference. The 6–3 ruling struck down a Texas law criminalizing same-sex relations and overturned Bowers v. Hardwick (1986), advancing constitutional protections for LGBTQ+ rights and personal liberty.

2002 – Department of Homeland Security: Established in response to the September 11 attacks and consolidated 22 federal agencies, including the Border Patrol, Fema, and the Coast Guard,  into a single department to coordinate domestic security and emergency response.

Ongoing Struggles and Expansions

2009 – Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act: Signed into law by President Barack Obama, this act expanded federal hate crimes protections to include a victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability

2012 – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) : Created by the Department of Homeland Security to protect certain immigrants brought to the United States as children from removal and allow them to work legally. Although offering renewable two-year protection, does not provide path to citizenship

2013 – Shelby County v. Holder: The Supreme Court curtailed federal oversight of certain states’ voting laws by ruling that the formula used to determine which jurisdictions required “preclearance” was based on outdated data

2015 – Obergefell v. Hodges: The Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry under the Fourteenth Amendment, requiring all states to license and recognize same-sex marriages

2021 – Juneteenth National Independence Day Act:  Established June 19 as a federal holiday commemorating the 1865 arrival of federal troops in Galveston, Texas, who enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and declared freedom for enslaved people

2022 – Respect for Marriage Act: Guaranteed federal recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages that are valid under state law. Repealed provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act and ensured that states and the federal government cannot deny recognition of marriages based on sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin

2022 – Dobbs v. Jackson: The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 to uphold Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban and, by a 5-justice majority, overturned Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992). The Court held that the U.S. Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, returning authority over abortion regulation to individual states

Begin where you are

Anyone can become a human rights advocate. It begins with the small, everyday choices that recognize and honor another’s worth.

  • Learn about your rights and those of others around you. What seems to work? What protections are missing in your housing, workplace, or healthcare?
  • Trace the journey of one item you use daily, such as your coffee, shoes, or clothes, and consider whose labor made this possible, and under what conditions
  • Step beyond your usual sources. Read a local newsletter, a publication or a media outlet with a different worldview. Then have one genuine conversation with someone who thinks differently and approach it with curiosity rather than judgment
  • Listen deeply to understand, not to persuade or win especially when you disagree
  • Notice the quick assumptions you make about a stranger, a headline, or even a friend or a family member. Write one down and ask yourself what hidden beliefs might be shaping these reactions
  • Let art move you. Visit a local exhibition, listen to a song, or read a poem that reveals another person’s story 

Build the momentum

 Strengthen your impact through collective effort

  • Bring someone new into the conversation. Invite them to a workshop, webinar, or a local event to connect. As you connect with others, notice who is missing from the room
  • Create something together. Organize a meal, a shared garden, or a book club 
  • Write someone in a position of power about an issue that matters to you or your community. Every voice adds to the conversation and pressure for accountability
  • Thank the people whose work sustains our shared life. Those who keep the lights on and spaces safe, who repair, clean, and care

Carry it Forward

  • Every talent can serve dignity. Use your skills to make someone else’s path a little easier
  • Support or volunteer with an organization that reflects your values, time and energy
  • Tutor or mentor someone who could benefit from your guidance and experience
  •  Keep learning how disinformation spreads, and help others recognize it too
  • Celebrate the progress, no matter how small it might be

Remember: Change is a marathon, not a sprint, and just like any journey, it moves unevenly. Some days will feel uncertain, where nothing seems to be moving forward, and on others, as if the world itself is slipping backwards. Still, this is not failure; just part of the process. Rest when you need to, regroup with others, and then return. Self-care is how endurance becomes possible.