I am wondering if there is a way to reverse only the text that is touching the clipart.
You can Combine the text and the object, or use Arrange>Shaping>Intersect to get two separate pieces.
This exactly what I am trying to do.
The "combine" is not highlighted and intersect doesn't give me that effect.
It worked!
You guys rock!!
And if keeping the text live is at all important and your black objects are a rich black (not 100% K), you can use white text, difference or exclusion transparency at 0% opacity and if you move the text around, the white on black changes automatically. I use this method when preparing images not intended for print generally, but have used it for print when I can use a rich black on the objects the text overlays.