Jon McNaughton Honors Rev. CL Bryant

Jon McNaughton has become one of our Nation’s most respected artists, painting patriotic scenes that are relevant to the barometer of current American life.  Today, McNaughton unveiled his most recent painting, “RUNAWAY SLAVE,” inspired by the work and mission of Rev. CL Bryant, and his film of the same name.

“The painting is a tribute to Rev. CL Bryant, a man who holds the ‘torch of liberty’ and unlocks the chains that bind millions of Black Americans today,” explains McNaughton.

Bryant, a former NAACP Chapter President, has dedicated his life to exposing the dependency of the African American community to Big Government and entitlements.  The documentary film RUNAWAY SLAVE, features Bryant’s vision and gives an in depth look at the civil rights movement, and the economic state of the African American community.

“The title of the new painting is “RUNAWAY SLAVE” and is a comment on the situation relating to Black America.  My position is that the Democratic Party has brought the demise of Black America.  Currently, 95% of all blacks vote Democrat, and yet what do they have to show for it?  25% of blacks suffer from poverty conditions.  16% of blacks are unemployed and 30% of all abortions are black babies.  Also, a majority of our inmates are Black Americans.  I think the painting will be controversial for obvious reasons, but I am teaming up with Reverend CL Bryant, a conservative black leader, to bring attention to this issue.  With a week left before the vote and with so much support for Obama from the black community, I think the message is important.”

Bryant expressed his gratitude not only for being honored with the painting, but with McNaughton’s vision for freedom. “In the portrait, notice that the chains are in my hands, meaning I am free from the chains.  Often I’m asked the question, ‘How do I know I am free?’ and the answer is ‘I have overcome the chains.’  When Dr. King uttered the words ‘we shall overcome’ I believe the idea was to be free of whatever may create bondage.  The only way for that to be realized is for Americans, black and white, to control the chains that have enslaved the mind and personal will…and look toward Heaven for the wisdom and guidance to remain free.”

All funds raised by the painting RUNAWAY SLAVE will go to support Bryant’s movement to expose the threat of Socialism and free Americans from their bondage to economic slavery.

Official Website – http://www.jonmcnaughton.com

The unveiling of the painting with an audio artist statement can be viewed here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDHu0xav8WM
The official artist statement below.

The documentary RUNAWAY SLAVE was created by Ground Floor Video in association with FreedomWorks.  RUNAWAY SLAVE is available now On Demand, and will release on DVD on January 7, 2013. http://www.runawayslavemovie.com

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Artist statement:

This painting is a tribute to Rev. C L. Bryant, a man who holds the “torch of liberty” and unlocks the chains that bind millions of Black Americans today.

In the summer of 1963, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, he delivered one of the most powerful speeches in our nation’s history. Known for its famous line, “I have a dream,” Dr. King concluded his speech with these words:

“And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, ‘Free at last, free at last! Thank God Almighty, we’re free at last!’

So, is Black America free at last? Is it possible that a man can be enslaved in other ways besides chains and shackles? Do shouts for affirmative action and government intervention really help the black community?

“Why are we still thinking we are not free at last? What ideas are keeping us down?” Rev. Bryant asks. “For too long, we have been depending on other people for our success. We have to pursue our happiness; our happiness is not provided to us. If we are relying on someone else for our wellbeing, that in itself is a form of slavery.”

Rev. Bryant’s conclusion? It’s time to run. “Run away from economic slavery. Run toward the blessings of liberty. Let us remain strong in this fight. Run away from socialism; run away from progressivism. And if you get tired, America … RUN HARDER!”

This painting is a beacon to all Americans, to free yourselves from the government bondage that enslaves your very soul. Be FREE of the old taskmaster that will offer you all the comforts if you will but do his bidding. Rise up and be great in the sight of God! YOU are the RUNAWAY SLAVE!