February - March Exhibition
Cassandra B. Griffen: A Life of Vision and Voice
February - March 2026
Artist Reception March 7th 2 – 4PM
Born on January 25, 1950, in Wilson, North Carolina, Cassandra Burnetta Griffen; affectionately known to many as San or Cass, was the second of eight children in a home filled with creativity, compassion, and curiosity. She was raised by two devoted educators, Charles Richard Griffen (deceased) and Bertha Baynes Griffen, whose work in North Carolina’s public school system left a lasting impact on their community and children. Their values of originality, excellence, and self-expression shaped Cassandra’s lifelong journey as both an artist and advocate.
A photojournalist at heart, Cassandra began her journey behind the camera at age eleven, documenting family gatherings and school moments. Entirely self-taught, she developed a signature style rooted in intuition, empathy, and a relentless desire to speak truth through imagery. Her Nikon F4 became a constant companion and creative extension of her voice.
Cassandra’s academic achievements were notable. She earned two Master of Science degrees: one from the College of New Rochelle and another from Mercy College, both in New York. She merged her academic knowledge with a fierce commitment to justice, channeling her passion into advocacy and fine art photography. Her lens became a tool for truth, reflecting the overlooked and confronting racial and social injustices across the United States.
Her photographic work has been exhibited across the country and internationally—in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Nigeria. Known for her monochromatic style and dramatic sensitivity, Cassandra’s photographs emphasize the tension between light and shadow, creating sculptural depth that brings her subjects to life. Her solo exhibition at the Schona Gallery in Osogbo, Nigeria, earned acclaim throughout West Africa, and her work continues to be housed in private and public collections nationwide.
In July 2002, Cassandra reached a powerful milestone with her first major exhibition, Police Brutality in the United States, presented at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Alabama. The solo exhibition drew more than 10,000 visitors, including scholars, archivists, and curators and earned national praise for its unflinching honesty and bold visual storytelling.
Cassandra's legacy is one of courage, creativity, and compassion. Through her lens, she not only documented history, but she also made it. Her body of work continues to inspire future generations to see the world more clearly, speak more truthfully, and create more fearlessly.
Her Legacy Lives On
Cassandra B. Griffen’s life was a symphony of compassion, intellect, and creativity. Through her artistry, she revealed the resilience and dignity of the human spirit. Her legacy continues to live through her family, her art, and all those who were moved by her vision.