Important Figures

“Vashti Harrison is an award winning director who specializes in experimental cinema … Vashti is not only a passionate filmographer, she is also an extremely talented artist and illustrator …” ~ Carolyn Hinds, writer, Black Girl Nerds ... Continue Reading

“Any man should be regarded as the personification of the ‘Black is beautiful’ philosophy, that man is Tom Feelings.  Feelings spent a lifetime as a painter, sculptor, and book illustrator underscoring this message.  From the dawn o... Continue Reading

“A first generation artist of the New Negro Movement, Hale Aspacio Woodruff created paintings, prints, and murals that depict the historic struggle and perseverance of African Americans. Though some of his work, such as his Afro Emblems ... Continue Reading

“Butler is elevating the status of her subjects by making portraits, and also elevating quilting - which is an African American craft tradition - by adding portraiture to it.” ~ Glenn Adamson, craft scholar, curator and writer Born in 197... Continue Reading

“As a creative educator, regenerative farmer, writer and activist, Leah Penniman is an exceptional leader for food justice.  She is best known for her work at Soul Fire Farm … an organic family farm committed to ‘the dismantling of oppre... Continue Reading

“Throughout his legal and legislative journey, Dr. Boyd realized African American farmers needed a platform so their voices could be heard.” ~ Land O’Lakes statement at the National Black Farmers Association website Born in New York Cit... Continue Reading

“I don’t know of any man in the sport that worked any harder than he did or accomplished more than he did with what he had … He built a lot of respect … More important, he helped to open many minds and heart s… He was not as fortunate as ... Continue Reading

“(Jennifer) Satterfield-Siegel, NASCAR’s first female African-American team owner, has increased opportunities for diverse drivers and pit-crew members, working relentlessly to make sure people from all walks of life have a seat at the NASCAR t... Continue Reading

“Through her guidance of the Independent Order of St. Luke, Walker demonstrated that African American men and women could be leaders in business, politics, and education during a time when society insisted on the contrary.” ~ National Park S... Continue Reading

“An extraordinary human being, Peg Leg Bates has never boasted or sought self-pity.  He grew up in the rural, segregated South.  He lost his leg and had no education.  Yet he educated himself and became one of the world’s greates... Continue Reading