Editor’s note: The following is next in a series for Black History Month presented by Sheboygan Area Black-American Community Outreach.
Continuing in line with the Black History Month theme of Black leaders in the arts, the Black-American Community Outreach organization in Sheboygan is taking the opportunity to educate, engage and entertain the community with some Black historical information. In this part of the series, we profile some historical Black visual artists who have led the way with their artistry.
Read Part 1:Black History Month in Sheboygan: Finding cultural connectivity through music
Historical Black visual artists have included Jean-Michel Basquiat, painter; Edmonia Lewis and Augusta Savage, sculptors; James Van Der Zee, photographer; Kara Walker, silhouettist; and E. Simms Campbell, illustrator.
Visual artistry is art forms that create works that are primarily visual in nature, such as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, photography, video, filmmaking and architecture.
Many visual artists have skills that range in various visual art forms that exemplified their era and the things happening in those times in history. They created art to be seen in galleries, museums or in public spaces.
This practice is to get exposure, engagement and economic gain from their works of art.
As the movie and film industry transforms to be more inclusive of Black actors and actresses, many more opportunities are happening in mainstream and the creation of other options and outlets like the Black Entertainment Network (BET), Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), IHeart Media, and others.
Read Part 2:Black History Month: Remembering historical Black dancers Josephine Baker and Alvin Ailey Jr.
Every day, Black people contribute to every facet of the history and development of the United States, and in some environments, circumstances or situations, you may see more of it than others.
Culturally, we have always had to find a way to be expressive in our communication and connection with the world to find a way to speak. Oftentimes, Black voices, artistry and way of life are silenced through the various ways of oppression that still exist. However, I am very hopeful that through the work of the Black-American Outreach organization and other organizations working more collaboratively and cooperatively together in the most authentic and genuine way, Sheboygan County can be an example of a what the world can be. I envision a space that embraces everyone, despite variances, for the betterment of all.
“When we’re talking about diversity, it’s not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.” — Ava DuVernay, filmmaker and culture-shifter
Toni White is president of Sheboygan Area Black-American Community Outreach.
