A Tale of Black Art

Express Yourself

Why does everyone not look the same? Obviously, from a physical perspective, we are all different, but why when we get dressed do we not put on the same clothes? Why do our homes not have the same decorations, or why do we drive different cars? Why when we have free time to watch a show or listen to music do we all not consume, or even enjoy the same things? That uniqueness that we carry with us is not just in our physical appearance, but deeply ingrained in our emotions and personalities, and how we choose to express ourselves. No better form of this expression is captured as well as in art and the multitude of forms it comes in. However, this expression of self has not always been afforded to all, nor appreciated by all. This Black History Month, I would like to take a moment and share some thoughts, perspective and engagement into Black and African American Art to inspire positive change not only in the month of February, but throughout the year!

As a child, when February came around and we entered another month of Black History in the United States, I could always expect my Saturday cartoons to be cut short by my mother’s family plans of attending a local Black History Festival. Needless to say, during my adolescence I was not thrilled to miss my favorite shows to observe various types of art, performances, and merchandise being offered by other members of the African diaspora. But, as mothers often do, she hid bigger lessons in the smallest activities – lessons that we won’t truly understand or appreciate until we are older and wiser. Looking back on moments like this, I realize those were not just festivals or family activities, but consistent displays of positivity in my community that showcased what was possible for myself and other African American children like me to accomplish through harder work and perseverance.

Perseverance and Black Art go hand in hand as the stories and moments captured and shared by black artists in various art forms not only span the freedom required to create it, but also the opportunity to have it displayed and viewed by the masses and receive the credit they deserve. From discrimination related to hiring practices and access to resources, to general support, appropriation, and stereotypes; these barriers, both historical and in the present, have been anchors weighing on Black artists and performers, making it even more difficult to move forward to tell their stories and bring their ideas, talents, and creative mindsets to a fair and equal place in American history. In order to translate this perseverance, Black Art is often more than just a song, an image, a dance, or product. Black Art tells the stories of acceptance and belonging in a world that does not always make us feel like we belong. It shares the necessity of resistance that has to occur to reach a point of rejuvenation. It speaks in a tone of joyful sorrows that say, “I am not where I want to be, but I am thankful I am not where I was.” These are some of the plethora of powerful emotions that can be felt throughout so many forms of Black Art.

A Piece of Home

There is also much to be said about the way Black Art connects Black people across the globe and the strength that this art can provide. A great example of this are the African Adinkra symbols. Adinkra are visual symbols that represent concepts, proverbs, and aphorisms. They originated from the Akan culture of the Gyaman people in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Evolving from prints on cloth, which royals wore to important ceremonies, they are now more modernly used in logos, clothing, furniture, architecture, tattoos, and more. These new usages embody a global recognition of their profound cultural significance and serve as a concise way to convey deep truths in visual form. For example, Sankofa is the symbol for the wisdom gained by learning from the past to build for the future, reflected in the bird’s head turning back for “wisdom” in the shape of an egg. From the Akan proverb, the symbol means, “Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri” in the Twi language, which translated in English means, “It is not taboo to go back for what you forgot”. Another popular symbol is Gye Nyame, which means Except God, and is a symbol expressing the omnipotence of God. These are two of the more popular Adinkra symbols in Ghana, and both have been or are presently featured on Ghana’s 200 cedi banknote. The widespread adoption of Adinkra symbols, especially among African Americans and other Africans across the diaspora, has solidified their status as icons of African symbolism and philosophy. You will likely see some of these symbols in artwork and on products at local markets during Black History Month. 

As Black Art finds more space to thrive, it opens the door for those still connected to their homeland to share their unique cultures with us. For some, this exposure is just a fun experience, but for others, this knowledge provides insight to an identity we have always been associated with but never truly known. The vast majority of African Americans do not have the privilege of knowing where our roots are and where we come from. Of course with technology, there are ancestry options to help find your lineage, but it does not replace that feeling of pride, comfort, and belonging to a group and culture of rich history and tradition that is passed down from one generation to another. However, this does not mean that absent our origin stories we can not create the space and opportunity we need to overcome and succeed. Through perseverance, Black Art has been there to capture Black History every step of the way and present it to the world, and I am excited to see what comes next in this journey, and I hope you are too!

How Do You Celebrate Black History?

Black History is all around you, even when you don’t realize it, and that presence is amplified during Black History Month. Take the month of February to discover and explore the opportunities to participate in Black History celebrations. Instead of going to your favorite restaurant for valentines day, give a Black owned establishment a try, and if it’s good, tell a friend. Next time you want to add a new piece of art to your home, find a local Black artist at your local street market (they will be everywhere this month). Find tickets to a performance or show featuring a majority black cast, and if you can meet any of the performers, ask them about their stories and I bet you will be amazed. Don’t let February just be another month, and answer the question “how did you celebrate Black History?” with something that is inspiring!

Black Art to Check Out

Google themes by Black artist
Additional info and virtual events on Black History
Virtual Black History Concert