Today’s second Women’s History Month illustration is of Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005), the first Black woman elected to Congress, the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, and the first Black candidate for a major party’s nomination for President.
Now available for purchase here.
Today’s Women’s History Month illustration is of Maggie L. Walker (1864 – 1934), an African American entrepreneur. She broke traditional gender and discriminatory laws by becoming the first woman to establish and become president of a bank in the United States. The bank, Saint Luke Penny Savings Bank was established in 1903 in Richmond, VA.
Now available for purchase here.
Today’s Black History Month illustration is of James Baldwin, the novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and social critic. His essay explored tensions and racial, sexual, and class distinctions in mid 20th century America.
Side note: The documentary “I Am Not Your Negro” is in theaters now. It’s based on Baldwin’s observations on American race relations. Definitely go see it when you get the chance.
Now available for purchase here.
Today’s Black History Month illustration is of Janet Jackson. She’s known for her innovation in her sonically innovative records, innovative choreography, and innovative music videos. She’s the only female artist in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 to have 18 consecutive top ten hot singles.
Also, to be honest, I really wanted to draw shots from my favorite Janet music video, lol. I love the lighting and the setting.
Today’s Black History Month illustration is of Oscar Micheaux (1859-1937), the first major Black filmmaker and the most successful Black filmmaker of the first half of the 20th century. He wrote, produced and directed over 40 films between 1919 and 1948. His films featured contemporary black life and often dealt with racial relationships in society.
Now available for purchase here.
Today’s Black History Month illustration is of Josephine Baker. She was the first Black person to become a world famous entertainer and the first to star in a major motion picture. Originally from St. Louis, she became a citizen of France in 1937. In the US, she refused to perform in front of segregated audiences and she also contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.
Now available for purchase here.
Today’s Black History Month illustration is of Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937), the first Black painter to gain international acclaim.
After self-study, he enrolled in 1878 at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia and was the only black student. Tanner made many connections among artists and became a favorite of his teacher Thomas Eakins, one of the most important artists in American art history. Tanner later moved to Paris in 1891.
Side note: My mom and I went to PAFA to look at Tanner’s exhibit a few years ago. His work is amazing. Please look him and his paintings up!
Now available for purchase here.
Today’s Black History Month illustration is of Ebony magazine, one of the oldest black magazines in the country. It debuted in 1945 and was modeled after Life magazine.
Ebony earned a strong national reputation for celebrating Black culture. In the 60s, it provided reliable coverage of the civil rights movement. It positively portrayed Black life by refuting stereotypes and discussing ways to overcome racial barriers/obstacles to success. Ebony continues to celebrate Black culture and its contributions to American society.
Side note: These are some of my favorite classic Ebony covers.
Today’s Black History Month illustration is of Marvin Gaye’s 1971 concept album What’s Going On. This album is considered one of the greatest albums of the 20th century and one of the landmark recordings in pop music history.
The album is from the point of view of a Vietnam War veteran returning back to the US and seeing hatred and injustice. Marvin Gaye’s lyrics discuss themes such as the Vietnam War, poverty, drug abuse and global warming.
Now available for purchase here.
Today’s Black History Month illustration is of Jane Bolin. She was the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School, join the NYC Bar Association, join the NYC Law Department, and serve as a judge in the US.
Now available for purchase here.
