During the Bicentennial Year, 1976, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California 93407 held an exhibition titled 'The Black Presence and the Bicentennial of the American Revolution'. The exhibition was held July 6 - 16, 1976. The exhibition looks to have been originated by the Smithsonian Institution, and at California Polytechnic State University, a strong program of accompanying events was mounted. Within the brochure, 'The Black Presence and the Bicentennial of the American Revolution' was described as "Black men and women are represented who made significant contributions to art, literature, politics, religion, and science in 18th and early 19th century America".

The brochure was twice illustrated with 'Awaken from the Unknowing' drawing by Charles White (Charcoal and Wolff crayon on paperboard, 31 x 56 in. (78.7 x 142.2 cm). A full page cropped detail of the drawing appeared inside this light folded card. 'Awaken from the Unknowing' depicted an African American student, perhaps of high school or college age, deeply engrossed in her learning. An affirmative image that spoke of the importance of education as a path to both individual and race uplift.