As we immerse ourselves in Black History Month, we want to reflect on the profound impact of African American culture and creativity on our society today. This year, our focus goes beyond acknowledging historical events; it dives deep into the enriching world of the arts, paying tribute to black writers, poets, musicians, painters, activists, photographers, actors, actresses, and creatives who have shaped the artistic landscape.
The theme for Black History Month 2024, “African Americans and the Arts,” is a reminder of the immense contributions of African American artists over the centuries. From the moving poetry of Langston Hughes to the groundbreaking sounds of Nina Simone, the visual masterpieces of Kerry James Marshall to the unwavering activism of Audre Lorde, the creative legacy of black artists has transcended adversity, inspiring generations and reshaping societal narratives.
In the spirit of this celebration of creativity for Black History Month, we are privileged to present 103 influential black artists and activists whose works have made a mark on the global stage. Join us in honoring these visionaries and celebrating the rich tapestry of black creativity.
103 Influential Artists and Activists
Literary Arts - (fiction, poetry, prose)
- Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960 Rest in Power) – A pioneering writer and anthropologist, known for her literary contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and her groundbreaking work “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”
- Maya Angelou (1928-2014 Rest in Power) – An iconic poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose powerful words continue to inspire and resonate with readers worldwide.
- Toni Morrison (1931-2019 Rest in Power) – A Nobel Prize in Literature-winning author celebrated for her masterful storytelling and profound exploration of the African American experience in novels such as “Beloved” and “Song of Solomon.”
- Octavia Butler (1947-2006 Rest in Power) – A trailblazing science fiction writer whose imaginative narratives challenged traditional genre conventions and addressed themes of race, gender, and power dynamics.
- Claude McKay (1890-1948 Rest in Power) – A leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, renowned for his poetry and novels exploring the complexities of Black identity and diasporic experiences.
- James Baldwin (1924-1987 Rest in Power) – A prolific essayist, playwright, and novelist whose examination of race, sexuality, and societal norms continues to shape discussions on identity and social justice.
- Ralph Ellison (1914-1994 Rest in Power) – The author of the seminal novel “Invisible Man,” a compelling exploration of Black identity and visibility in a racially divided America.
- Audre Lorde (1934-1992 Rest in Power) – An influential poet, civil rights activist, and feminist thinker whose writing centered on issues of race, gender, and sexuality, advocating for social change and empowerment.
- August Wilson (1945-2005 Rest in Power) – A renowned playwright whose ten-play cycle, “The Pittsburgh Cycle,” vividly captures the African American experience throughout the 20th century, earning him two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama.
- Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965 Rest in Power) – The groundbreaking playwright behind “A Raisin in the Sun,” a seminal work that addressed racial and social issues, making her the first African American woman to have a play performed on Broadway.
- Langston Hughes (1901-1967 Rest in Power) – A prolific poet, playwright, and leader of the Harlem Renaissance, known for his poetic portrayals of Black life, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
- Ntozake Shange (1948-2018 Rest in Power) – An influential playwright, poet, and novelist recognized for her choreopoem “for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf,” a powerful exploration of Black female experiences.
- Lucille Clifton (1936-2010 Rest in Power) – A distinguished poet whose deeply personal and lyrical verses addressed themes of family, womanhood, and African American heritage, earning her numerous literary accolades.
- Amiri Baraka (1934-2014 Rest in Power) – A prominent poet, playwright, and political activist whose provocative writing challenged societal norms and addressed issues of race, class, and cultural identity.
- Alex Haley (1921-1992 Rest in Power) – The acclaimed author of “Roots: The Saga of an American Family,” a groundbreaking work that traced his own family’s genealogy and provided an exploration of African American history and identity.
- Alice Walker (1944) – An influential novelist, poet, and activist best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Color Purple,” which explores the intersecting lives of African American women in the South.
- Nikki Giovanni (1943) – A world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator, known for her significant contributions to the Black Arts Movement.
Literary New Wave
- Tomi Adeyemi (1993) – A Nigerian-American author acclaimed for her young adult fantasy novel “Children of Blood and Bone,” which weaves a rich tapestry of West African mythology and captivates readers with its vivid storytelling.
- Ta-Nehisi Coates (1975) – An influential writer known for his thought-provoking essays and bestselling books, such as “Between the World and Me,” which powerfully addresses race, identity, and social justice in America.
- Michelle Alexander (1967) – A prominent civil rights lawyer and author whose groundbreaking work “The New Jim Crow” sheds light on the systemic injustices within the American criminal justice system and their impact on communities of color.
- Damon Young (1979) – A celebrated author and cultural critic, recognized for his insightful commentary on race, politics, and popular culture through his writing and co-founding the online magazine Very Smart Brothas.
- Clint Smith (1988) – A compelling writer, poet, and scholar whose work delves into the intersections of history, race, and social justice, offering profound insights into the complexities of the human experience.
- Brit Bennett (1990) – An accomplished novelist celebrated for her best-selling works “The Mothers” and “The Vanishing Half,” exploring themes of race, identity, and the intricate dynamics of family and community.
- Roxane Gay (1974) – A prolific writer and cultural critic known for her impactful essays, memoirs, and fiction, addressing issues of gender, body image, and social justice with unflinching honesty and depth.
- Terry McMillan (1951) – A bestselling author revered for her novels, including “Waiting to Exhale” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” which resonate with readers through their authentic portrayal of Black women’s experiences.
- Isabel Wilkerson (1961) – A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, known for her groundbreaking work “The Warmth of Other Suns,” which chronicles the Great Migration and its profound impact on American society.
- Daniel Black (1965) – A gifted novelist and scholar acclaimed for his thought-provoking works such as “They Tell Me of a Home” and “The Coming,” which offer reflections on race, memory, and belonging.
Poets New Wave
- Jericho Brown (1976) – A distinguished poet and educator celebrated for his award-winning collections such as “The Tradition,” which skillfully engages with themes of identity, love, and societal structures.
- Morgan Parker (1987) – An acclaimed poet and essayist whose work, including “Magical Negro” and “There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé,” explores race, womanhood, and popular culture with striking eloquence.
- Hanif Abdurraqib (1983) – A compelling writer, poet, and cultural critic known for his insightful examinations of music, sports, and contemporary culture through his essays, poetry, and nonfiction.
- Danez Smith (1989) – A gifted poet celebrated for their powerful verse and exploration of themes such as race, queerness, and the complexities of the human experience, as seen in works like “Don’t Call Us Dead.”
- Aja Monet (1987) – A renowned poet and activist known for her stirring spoken word performances and written works that passionately address social justice, love, and the complexities of the human spirit.
- Terrence Hayes (1971) – A distinguished poet whose collections, including “Lighthead” and “American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin,” showcase his lyrical prowess and thoughtful examination of race, history, and language.
- Saeed Jones (1985) – A talented writer, poet, and memoirist acclaimed for his powerful memoir “How We Fight for Our Lives,” which candidly explores identity, sexuality, and the pursuit of self-discovery.
- Tracy K. Smith (1972) – A Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate celebrated for her eloquent verse, which offers profound reflections on history, family, and the human condition.
- Cornelius Eady (1954) – A highly regarded poet and educator known for his evocative verse and exploration of African American identity, blues music, and the complexities of American society.
- Angel Nafis (1988) – An acclaimed poet and educator recognized for her dynamic performances and insightful poetry, addressing themes of love, identity, and social justice with exceptional eloquence and passion.
- Claudia Rankine (1963) – A highly esteemed poet and playwright known for her groundbreaking work “Citizen: An American Lyric,” which masterfully examines race, microaggressions, and the complexities of American society through poetic prose and visual art.
- Porsha Olayiwola (1988) – A captivating poet, performer, and educator celebrated for her powerful spoken word pieces that thoughtfully explore race, womanhood, and the intersection of personal and collective narratives.
- Jamila Woods (1989) – A talented singer, songwriter, and poet known for her soul-stirring music and poignant verse, addressing themes of Black womanhood, self-discovery, and social consciousness with grace and depth.
- Alysia Nicole Harris (1988) – A remarkable poet and performer recognized for her evocative spoken word pieces and lyrical prowess, which skillfully engage with themes of love, history, and the complexities of human emotion.
- Amanda Gorman (1998) – A trailblazing poet and activist who gained international acclaim for her stirring inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb,” using her art to advocate for unity, justice, and the power of storytelling.
Performing Arts - (dance, music, theater)
- Don Cornelius (1936-2012 Rest in Power) – An influential American television show host and producer, best known as the creator and host of the iconic music and dance TV program “Soul Train.” His pioneering work significantly impacted the music and entertainment industry, leaving a lasting legacy.
- Alvin Ailey (1931-1989 Rest in Power) – A visionary choreographer and founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, renowned for his groundbreaking fusion of modern dance and African-American cultural expression, leaving an enduring impact on the world of dance and performance art.
Music
- Nina Simone (1933-2003 Rest in Power) – A legendary musician and civil rights activist whose soulful voice and impassioned songs, such as “Feeling Good” and “Mississippi Goddam,” became anthems of the civil rights movement, leaving an indelible impact on music and social change.
- Billie Holiday (1915-1959 Rest in Power) – An iconic jazz singer and songwriter whose emotive vocals and timeless songs, including “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child,” continue to resonate and inspire, cementing her legacy as a symbol of resilience and artistic mastery.
- Aretha Franklin (1942 – 2018 Rest in Power) – The “Queen of Soul” whose unparalleled voice and iconic hits such as “Respect” and “Amazing Grace” solidified her status as a music legend, leaving an enduring impact on the soul and R&B genres.
- Gertrude “Ma” Rainey (1886 – 1939 Rest in Power) – A pioneering African-American blues singer and songwriter, often referred to as the “Mother of the Blues,” whose profound influence on the genre continues to resonate through her powerful voice and enduring compositions.
- Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones (1868 – 1933 Rest in Power) – A trailblazing African-American opera singer, known as “Black Patti,” who achieved international acclaim, breaking racial barriers in the classical music world and inspiring future generations of performers.
- Frankie Lymon (1942 – 1968 Rest in Power) – A talented vocalist who rose to fame as the lead singer of The Teenagers, leaving a lasting influence on the doo-wop and early rock and roll scenes with hits like “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.”
- Little Richard (1932 – 2020 Rest in Power) – A pioneering figure in rock and roll known for his flamboyant persona and groundbreaking songs like “Tutti Frutti” and “Good Golly Miss Molly,” forever shaping the sound and style of popular music.
- Al Green (1946) – A prominent soul singer and songwriter celebrated for his silky-smooth voice and timeless classics such as “Let’s Stay Together,” defining the soul and R&B sound of the 1970s and beyond.
Music New Wave
- Lauryn Hill (1975) – An influential rapper, singer, and producer, known for her soulful vocals and groundbreaking album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which garnered critical acclaim and widespread cultural impact.
- Public Enemy (formed in 1985) – A politically charged and influential hip-hop group that addressed social issues through their music, inspiring a new wave of socially conscious rap and leaving an enduring mark on the genre.
- N.W.A (established in 1986) – A trailblazing rap group that revolutionized the genre with their raw lyrics and unapologetic portrayal of urban life, setting the stage for the rise of gangsta rap and forever shaping the landscape of hip-hop.
Film New Wave
- Spike Lee (1957) – An iconic filmmaker and director known for his thought-provoking films that explore social and political issues, such as “Do the Right Thing” and “Malcolm X,” leaving an indelible mark on American cinema.
- Quinta Brunson (1989) – A talented actress, comedian, and content creator whose work, including the viral Instagram series “Girl Who’s Never Been on a Nice Date,” has resonated with audiences, showcasing her unique comedic voice and storytelling prowess.
- Viola Davis (1965) – An esteemed actress and producer celebrated for her powerful performances, including her Oscar-winning role in “Fences,” as well as her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in Hollywood.
Activists & Social Critics
- Bell Hooks (1951-2021 Rest in Power) – An influential author, feminist theorist, and cultural critic whose incisive writings and activism reshaped conversations around feminism, race, and gender, leaving a profound legacy in academia and social justice movements.
- Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992 Rest in Power) – A pioneering LGBTQ+ rights activist and drag queen, whose pivotal role in the Stonewall Uprising and tireless advocacy for transgender and queer communities continues to inspire and spark change in the fight for equality.
- Ernestine Eckstein (1941-1992 Rest in Power) – A courageous activist and key figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, known for her advocacy for visibility and equality for Black lesbians, making lasting contributions to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Angela Davis (1944) – A prominent scholar, activist, and author known for her unwavering commitment to racial and gender justice, as well as her influential work on prison abolition, intersectional feminism, and civil rights.
Visual Arts - (painting, film, photography)
Painting
- Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937 Rest in Power) – A groundbreaking African American painter and the first internationally acclaimed Black artist, known for his luminous and spiritual depictions of biblical scenes and everyday life, creating a profound legacy in the history of art.
- Horace Pippin (1888-1946 Rest in Power) – A self-taught African American painter renowned for his powerful and evocative artworks, depicting scenes of everyday life, historical events, and the nuances of the African American experience with remarkable depth and emotion.
- Alma Thomas (1891-1978 Rest in Power) – A pioneering abstract artist and educator known for her vibrant and captivating paintings, which deftly merge color theory, abstraction, and a celebration of nature, leaving an indelible mark on the world of modern art.
- Aaron Douglas (1899-1979 Rest in Power) – A seminal figure of the Harlem Renaissance and a masterful painter and muralist, whose compelling works explored themes of African American identity, history, and resilience, reshaping the visual landscape of African American art.
- Gerald Williams (1941) – A contemporary artist and co-founder of the “AfriCOBRA” collective, celebrated for his vibrant and socially conscious artworks, which embody the spirit of Black cultural pride and empowerment.
- John T. Biggers (1924-2001 Rest in Power) – A revered muralist and educator known for his monumental murals and powerful paintings, which depict the struggles and triumphs of African American life, leaving an enduring impact on the world of art and social commentary.
- Hilda Rue Wilkinson Brown (1894-1981 Rest in Power) – An accomplished painter and educator recognized for her expressive and vivid artworks, often portraying scenes of rural life and the beauty of the natural world with profound sensitivity and insight.
- Emma Amos (1937-2020 Rest in Power) – A groundbreaking painter, printmaker, and weaver known for her unique visual language and exploration of race, gender, and identity, shaping a legacy as a pioneering force in feminist and African American art.
- Sam Gilliam (1933-2022 Rest in Power) – A trailblazing abstract artist and color field painter, celebrated for his innovative use of materials and space, redefining the possibilities of painting and leaving an enduring impact on the trajectory of modern art.
- Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000 Rest in Power) – A preeminent African American painter and storyteller, renowned for his striking narrative series and bold use of color, capturing the essence of African American history and the human experience in vivid and impactful ways.
- Annie Lee (1935-2014 Rest in Power) – A beloved artist and creator known for her portrayals of African-American daily life, characterized by depictions without facial features, instead using body language to convey emotion and expression.
- Edward Bannister (1828-1901 Rest in Power) – A pioneering African American painter known for his serene landscapes and significant contributions to the American art scene during a time of racial adversity, leaving a lasting legacy in the art world.
- Minnie Evans (1892-1987 Rest in Power) – A visionary self-taught artist whose vibrant, mystical drawings and paintings reflected her inner spiritual world, establishing her as a prominent figure in the realm of outsider art and inspiring generations of creators.
- Norman Lewis (1909-1979 Rest in Power) – A groundbreaking abstract expressionist painter and civil rights activist whose dynamic artwork challenged artistic conventions and advocated for social justice, solidifying his influence on both the art world and the fight for equality.
- David Driskell (1931-2020 Rest in Power) – A revered artist, art historian, and curator who played a pivotal role in promoting African American art and championing the contributions of Black artists to the American artistic canon.
- Betye Saar (1926) – A prolific assemblage artist and sculptor, revered for her thought-provoking and symbolic artworks that engage with themes of race, spirituality, and mysticism, contributing significantly to the discourse of African American art.
Painting New Wave
- Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988 Rest in Power) – A prodigious Neo-expressionist painter and graffiti artist whose raw, emotionally charged artworks, infused with social commentary and cultural references, continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
- Kehinde Wiley (1977) – A contemporary portrait painter acclaimed for his vibrant and regal reinterpretations of classical European portraiture, often featuring young African American men and women in poses of power and prestige, challenging historical representations of race and identity.
- Kara Walker (1969) – A renowned contemporary artist acclaimed for her provocative and visually striking silhouetted artworks that critically engage with the history of race, gender, and power in America, offering profound and thought-provoking commentary on social and cultural dynamics.
- Kerry James Marshall (1955) – A celebrated artist known for his rich and complex paintings that center on the African American experience, incorporating elements of popular culture, history, and mythology to create powerful and evocative visual narratives.
- Charly Palmer (1960) – An accomplished painter and illustrator recognized for his striking and emotionally resonant artworks that explore themes of history, identity, and social justice, capturing the depth and beauty of the human spirit with profound empathy.
Photography
- Gordon Parks (1912-2006 Rest in Power) – A multifaceted artist and trailblazing photographer, filmmaker, and writer whose socially conscious works documented the African American experience, civil rights movement, and broader human condition with unparalleled insight and empathy.
- James Van Der Zee (1886-1983 Rest in Power) – A pioneering photographer and chronicler of the Harlem Renaissance, celebrated for his iconic portraits and documentation of African American life, leaving an invaluable visual record of a transformative era in African American culture.
- Eli Reed (1946) – A distinguished documentary photographer renowned for his powerful and empathetic photojournalism, capturing intimate and insightful images that reflect the human experience and the complexities of social, political, and cultural landscapes.
- Clarissa Sligh (1939) – A renowned artist and activist known for her poignant and introspective photography, writing, and mixed-media works that center on issues of memory, history, and social change, offering deeply personal and evocative perspectives on the African American experience.
- Dana Scruggs (1986) – A boundary-pushing photographer recognized for her powerful and inclusive portrayal of beauty and diversity, reshaping the visual landscape of fashion and editorial photography with her distinctive and empowering vision.
- Lorna Simpson (1960) – A pioneering multimedia artist acclaimed for her thought-provoking photography, collages, and film installations, which examine themes of race, gender, and identity, challenging conventional representations and narratives with striking visual language. She was the first African-American woman to exhibit at the Venice Biennale.
- Ming Smith (1947) – An influential photographer recognized for her evocative and poetic images that capture the essence of the African American experience, merging documentary and surrealism to create deeply resonant visual narratives. She was the first African-American female photographer whose work was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
- Adger Cowans (1936) – A distinguished photographer and artist whose body of work spans several decades, renowned for his iconic visual compositions that explore the nuances of light, shadow, and human emotion, leaving an indelible mark on the world of photography and visual arts.
- Deana Lawson (1979) – A critically acclaimed photographer celebrated for her intimate and arresting portraits that explore themes of family, identity, and the complexities of Black life, using symbolism and composition to create visually striking and emotionally resonant narratives.
- Florence Ngala (1995) – A rising star in the contemporary art scene, known for her visually arresting and thought-provoking conceptual artworks that engage with themes of identity, diaspora, and interconnectedness, marking her as a compelling voice in the next generation of artists. In 2022, she became the first Black woman commissioned by Vogue to photograph the MET Gala.
Multimedia
- Keith Knight (1966) – A multi-talented cartoonist, rapper, and social activist known for his subversive yet accessible comic strips, such as The K Chronicles, and his impactful contributions to racial justice issues in his work and beyond.
- Miles Regis (1967) – An accomplished artist and painter whose vibrant and expressive artwork has garnered acclaim, reflecting themes of cultural identity and human emotion, solidifying his stature in the contemporary art scene.
- David Hammons (1943) – A revered and enigmatic artist known for his conceptual and often subversive artworks that challenge traditional notions of art and cultural stereotypes, employing found objects and unconventional materials to offer incisive and thought-provoking social commentary.
- Glenn Ligon (1960) – A celebrated conceptual artist known for his intellectually rich and visually compelling works that address themes of language, identity, and history, using text, painting, and neon to create nuanced and thought-provoking artistic statements.
- Willie Cole (1955) – A highly regarded sculptor and visual artist recognized for his innovative and thought-provoking assemblages and sculptures, which incorporate everyday objects and symbols to explore themes of race, culture, and spirituality with striking visual impact.
- Howardena Pindell (1943) – A pioneering mixed-media artist known for her innovative and thought-provoking works that explore themes of memory, identity, and social justice, employing intricate processes and a multidisciplinary approach to create powerful visual narratives.
- Carrie Mae Weems (1953) – A highly esteemed photographer and multimedia artist celebrated for her compelling and socially engaged artworks that confront issues of race, gender, and history, challenging viewers to confront and reconsider their understanding of identity and representation.
Sculptor
- Augusta Savage (1892-1962 Rest in Power) – A trailblazing sculptor and influential figure of the Harlem Renaissance, renowned for her powerful and expressive artworks that celebrate African American heritage and resilience, leaving an enduring impact on the world of art.
- Chakaia Booker (1953) – A pioneering sculptor celebrated for her dynamic and striking tire sculptures, which explore themes of consumption, identity, and urban life, transforming industrial materials into powerful and visually captivating artistic statements.
The individuals highlighted above have been carefully selected for their profound influence on the world of art and activism. Each person featured has contributed to shaping culture, challenging societal norms, and paving the way for future generations. While we recognize that there are countless other influential figures deserving of recognition, the individuals included in this collection have left an indelible mark on history, inspiring positive change and progress. Their stories serve as a reminder of the rich legacy of African American contributions to the arts and social justice movements, and we celebrate their enduring impact during Black History Month and beyond.
History of Black History Month
Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans to the history, culture, and development of the United States. The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to the early 20th century when Carter G. Woodson, a prominent historian and educator, founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915. Woodson, often referred to as the Father of Black History, recognized the need to ensure that the pivotal role of African Americans in shaping the nation’s history was acknowledged and commemorated.
In 1926, the ASALH sponsored the first-ever Negro History Week to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass in February. The response was overwhelmingly positive, sparking a growing interest in the celebration of Black history. Over time, the week-long observance evolved into a month-long recognition, officially becoming “Black History Month” in 1976. This expansion provided a platform for acknowledging the remarkable accomplishments of African Americans in various fields, including science, literature, politics, sports, and the arts.
Black History Month serves as a time for reflection, education, and celebration, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. It offers an opportunity to honor the resilience and perseverance of individuals who have overcome adversity and discrimination, as well as to acknowledge their immeasurable impact on society.
Today, Black History Month is commemorated not only in the United States but also in other countries, fostering greater awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the rich and complex tapestry of African American heritage and its enduring significance.
City Personnel's Message
As we finish this blog, let us reflect on the significance of Black History Month as it continues to evolve. It remains a vital opportunity for individuals and communities to delve into the rich tapestry of African American history, honor the legacies of trailblazers, and amplify the voices of those who have shaped the past and continue to shape the future.
Black History Month serves as a reminder of the resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit of the African American community, inspiring ongoing dialogue, education, and action towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Let us embrace this month not only as a time for reflection but also as a catalyst for meaningful change, unity, and progress.
