Happy Black History Month!  

This year’s theme for Black History Month is African Americans and the Arts! In celebration, let’s take a minute to admire these 5 pieces from influential Black artists throughout time:

Robert Seldon Duncanson, 1859

"Landscape with Rainbow by Robert S. Duncanson"

Edmonia Lewis, 1871

"Hiawatha's Marriage by Edmonia Lewis"

Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1893

"The Bagpipe Lesson by Henry Ossawa Tanner"

Kerry James Marshall, 1997

"Souvenir I by Kerry James Marshall" 

Amy Sherald, 2018

"Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama by Amy Sherald" 

Diversity should be celebrated all year – not just in February alone. In addition to taking the time to educate yourself on Black history, also be sure to take some time to support Black artists and local Black-owned small businesses.  

Sources:

BLACK HISTORY THEMES – ASALH – The Founders of Black History Month

Robert S. Duncanson | Smithsonian American Art Museum (si.edu)

Edmonia Lewis | Smithsonian American Art Museum (si.edu)

Henry Ossawa Tanner | Smithsonian American Art Museum (si.edu)

Kerry James Marshall Paintings, Bio, Ideas | TheArtStory

Amy Sherald Paintings, Bio, Ideas | TheArtStory

About the author: Lauryn Raff is a Marketing Assistant at Lifelong Access. She is also a senior undergraduate student at Illinois State University obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. Lauryn has a passion for all things creative and hopes to use this quality along with her dedicated studies to make the world a better place. 

The views expressed are Lauryn's and do not necessarily represent the official views of Lifelong Access.