Black history changemakers in the Arts
February is upon us and with it comes the annual celebration of Black History Month. Born from it’s origins as “Negro History Week,” created by historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month has been officially recognized every year since 1976. Over time, the dedication of a month to acknowledge and celebrate Black history has been adopted by other countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada.
It is no secret that the widespread education of Black history has been stifled over the years, with the historically significant achievements of many influential Black figures going largely unknown by each passing generation. The only way to counter this erasure is to take the responsibility of education upon ourselves. This series is our way of exploring some of the Black changemakers that have made a lasting impact on our world. Join us as we honor them and draw inspiration from their trailblazing accomplishments that paved the way for changemakers everywhere!
The category is…The Arts!
Jean-Michel Basquiat- Basquiat was an American artist who rose to success during the 1980s as part of the neo-expressionism movement. He used social commentary in his paintings as well as the division between wealth versus poverty, integration versus segregation, and the inner versus outer experience. Though his life was cut short, Basquiat’s legacy in the art world and popular culture is solidified. With one of his pieces, Untitled (1982), a powerful depiction of a black skull with red and yellow rivulets, being sold for over $100 million, the piece is the second highest price ever paid at auction for artwork by an American artist.
Hattie McDaniel: McDaniel was an American actress, singer-songwriter, and comedian. She was the first African American to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind (1939).
Whoopi Goldberg: Born Caryn Elaine Johnson, Whoopi Goldberg is an American actress, comedian, and TV host but is also the first Black EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) recipient. Goldberg completed the highly prestigious quartet of awards in 2002 with the following awards:
Academy Awards: 1990: Best Supporting Actress – Ghost
Daytime Emmy Awards: 2002: Outstanding Special Class Special – Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel
Grammy Awards: 1986: Best Comedy Album – Whoopi Goldberg (Original Broadway Show Recording)
Tony Awards: 2002: Best Musical – Thoroughly Modern Millie
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges: Considered the “Black Mozart”, Bologne is a French Creole violinist and composer, who was conductor of the leading symphony orchestra in Paris in the late 1700s. Aside from his musical abilities, Saint-Georges was an expert fencer. His participation and excellence in classical music and the sport of fencing was considered revolutionary for a person of color in 1700s France. Long forgotten in the history books, Saint-Georges will have a major film depicting his life released later this year.
Marian Anderson: Anderson is an American opera singer who is considered one of the best contraltos of her time. Due to the racism and segregation of the time, Anderson was not allowed into many of the American opera theaters. However, On 7 January 1955, Anderson became the first African American singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.
Images: giphy.com
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