Makers of Modern Art: The Black Artists You Need to Know

In a world saturated with art that often "forgets" to reflect the full spectrum of human experience, let's turn the spotlight onto those who've been in the shadows for far too long. Yes, I'm talking about the masters of modern art whose skin happens to be tinted with the beautiful hues of Blackness.

A Palette of Hidden Hues

So you think you know modern art? You can wax lyrical about Van Gogh's swirls, Picasso's angles, and Dali's surrealist mustache? Lovely. But how much can you say about Jacob Lawrence, Jean-Michel Basquiat, or Augusta Savage? Didn't think so. The irony is, if modern art was a big ol' American quilt, the threads of Black artists would be woven so deeply into it that removing them would unravel the whole darn thing.

The Breakfast of Art Champions

How do you start your mornings? Coffee, bagel, a side of The New York Times? Consider adding a splash of culture. No, not yogurt—art! Specifically, modern art by Black artists. Thanks to this wonderful thing called the internet, you can take a virtual tour of an art gallery while you munch on your avocado toast. Start with Alma Thomas' vibrant, abstract pieces, and let it set the mood for your day. Heck, make it a weekly habit—#MuralMondays, anyone?

A Brush with Awe

Now, let's kick it up a notch. Ever heard of Kara Walker's silhouette installations? If not, brace yourselves. Her pieces are like walking into a historical panorama that punches you right in the gut. You feel awe, excitement, discomfort, and, strangely, an urge to be better, do better. Not many artworks can inspire such a visceral blend of emotions. We're talking Michelangelo-level awe here, people. Except, instead of frescoes on a chapel ceiling, it's cut-paper silhouettes that speak a thousand words—each with the weight of history.

From the Canvas to the Culture

Picture this: It's the 1950s, a time when the U.S. is steeped in racial segregation. Enter Norman Lewis, a painter so extraordinary that critics couldn't ignore him—even if they wanted to. His masterpiece, "American Totem," depicts a Klan rally in abstract forms, so haunting that you can't look away. Fast-forward to today, and his work still echoes in our collective conscience. The point is, Black artists aren't just "making art." They're shaping dialogue, challenging norms, and yes, making history.

The Unveiling

So, as you sip your next espresso or scroll through LinkedIn during your "productive procrastination," remember this: Modern art isn't just a canvas painted with Eurocentric hues. It’s a kaleidoscope, a diverse melange, a cacophony of voices. And some of the most compelling ones come from Black artists. So, go ahead, diversify your palette. You’ll be richer for it, both in spirit and in cultural wealth.

Laying the Tracks: The Story of Black Railroad Workers in the Americas

When we hear the term "railroads," our minds might drift to nostalgic images of the Old West or the industrial boom. Perhaps you conjure images of folk heroes like John Henry, a man against machine story. But how often do we consider the unsung heroes whose sweat and blood literally laid the tracks for modern America? Let's journey through a lesser-known tale, one with grit, perseverance, and an unyielding quest for dignity.

Laying the Tracks, Upholding the Dream

Here's something you didn't know: The railroads weren't just built by labor; they were built on dreams. These dreams weren't the soft, fluffy kind that dwell in La La Land. No, they were made of sterner stuff, of steel and iron and immeasurable willpower, forged by the Black workers who laid down the tracks of America's railways.

The Unsung Heroes of the Railroad

It's easy to move through life without giving a second thought to the structures that make your life convenient. Trains whisk us to and from big cities, through stunning landscapes, on the routes established more than a century ago. What's not visible from your cushioned seat are the untold stories of Black workers who laid those tracks, often in perilous conditions, to create pathways for the American Dream that they were often denied access to. Their hands were not only laying tracks; they were also laying the groundwork for future generations to rise.

A Routine to Remember

So here's a daily habit that will keep this narrative alive in your mind: Next time you board a train or even hear one chugging along in the distance, take a moment. A moment to acknowledge the labor, the skill, and the sacrifices made by those who laid those tracks. A simple nod to history. Maybe it becomes your pause, your moment of zen amidst the daily hustle, or your gratitude checkpoint. Trust me, you'll travel better for it.

Riding on the Tracks of Giants

Here's where the awe comes in—imagine laying down tracks on a terrain that’s untamed and unforgiving, all while facing systemic oppression. The scale of what was accomplished by Black railroad workers is staggering. They weren’t just laborers; they were visionaries. They saw beyond the steel tracks and looked toward a future where their efforts would pave the way for monumental human achievements. From the transcontinental railroad to the subway systems that course through our cities like veins, their work pulses with life and endless movement.

Laying Tracks in the Fabric of America

So, let's reframe our lens. These tracks aren't just strips of metal on the ground; they're part of a grand narrative. A narrative where each spike driven into the earth is a punctuation mark in a long, intricate tale of resilience, triumph, and unfulfilled dreams. The real story of America isn't in its skyscrapers or its booming stock markets; it's etched in the rails that traverse its heartland, rails laid by hands that were initially shackled but refused to remain so.

In Conclusion

When we talk about laying tracks, we're talking about more than just physical labor. We're talking about vision, courage, and an indomitable spirit that said, "Yes, we will build this, against all odds." And so they did. The next time you hear the distant wail of a train's horn, think of it as a salute to the men and women who gave so much of themselves to lay the tracks of America's railways. Let that sound serve as a reminder that greatness is often built on foundations laid by unsung heroes.

The Forgotten Soldiers: African Americans in the American Independence War and Civil War

They fought for a country that didn’t yet recognize them as full citizens. Hidden in the tapestry of American heroism, their stories wait, bursting with valor, sacrifice, and irony. This is about the Forgotten Soldiers: African Americans in the American Independence War and Civil War.

The Ironic Glory: Fighting for Freedom, but Not Free

Let’s start with a thick slice of irony: imagine being an African American soldier in the Independence War or the Civil War. You're fighting for "liberty" or "union," but you aren't free. You're not even considered a full citizen. Oh, the audacity! You'd think the Founding Fathers and Confederate Generals were trying out material for a future Comedy Central special, given the contradictions.

But let’s not just crack jokes. The African Americans who fought in these wars were not laughing stock. They were game-changers, advocates for justice in the making. They were the embodiment of resilience, bravely carrying muskets and ideals even heavier than that. They navigated through social quagmires we can't even begin to understand, while also directly contributing to shaping this nation. They laid down their lives with the hopes of better days not just for themselves but for future generations.

The Forgotten Morning Salute

Now, how do you keep these ‘Forgotten Soldiers’ in your daily consciousness? Try this. Every time you sip your morning coffee—let’s call it your “Freedom Brew”—take a moment to reflect on what freedom cost and who paid its price. In your own way, salute these unsung heroes. A nod, a sip, and a silent thank-you. It’s a daily habit as simple as brushing your teeth, but with the depth of a thousand history books.

A Story to Ignite Your Patriotism

Now, ever heard of James Armistead? This man was a double agent during the American Revolutionary War. That's right—a Black double agent when America was still in beta testing. Hired by Lafayette, he infiltrated British camps, gaining the trust of none other than Benedict Arnold. Talk about playing 4D chess in a time of muskets and cannonballs! The intelligence he gathered was invaluable, turning the tide of battles and proving pivotal in the defeat of the British at Yorktown. Are you not riveted? Does that not shake your very understanding of the term "hero"? Share his story, not just because it’s jaw-dropping, but because it’s American history. Our history.

Challenging Boundaries: LGBTQ Voices in Black America

When we talk about Black America, we often think of it as a singular, unified entity—a monolith, if you will. But even within this community, there are voices that are continually sidelined, voices that disrupt the status quo. Today, we dig deep into an often-overlooked element of Black America: the LGBTQ voices that are not just challenging but redefining boundaries.

Where the Edges Blur

Let's start by acknowledging that boundaries are nothing but mental constructs. Like that invisible line on a basketball court that says, "Step over me, and you're out of bounds," these societal lines often feel arbitrary and stifling. Now, what happens when you're already seen as "out of bounds" by mainstream society because you're Black, and then, you double down on challenging norms by identifying as LGBTQ? You become a subversive hero, a modern-day freedom fighter, a living, breathing challenge to societal boundaries.

A Daily Ritual to Reflect

You know that first sip of coffee in the morning? It's like a mini-revelation, a moment to gather your thoughts. I urge you to make that coffee time your "Reflection Ritual." Think about the boundaries you have placed on yourself and others. Could you be contributing to the silencing of voices within your community, maybe inadvertently? A minute or two to ponder this can make a world of difference. This is your chance to change the narrative, one thought at a time.

Breaking Free, Inspiring Awe

The stories of LGBTQ Black Americans aren't just stories of marginalization; they're epics of resilience, defiance, and breakthroughs that could rival any superhero saga. Imagine James Baldwin setting the literary world ablaze with "Giovanni’s Room," Audre Lorde spearheading feminist theory, or RuPaul sashaying into mainstream consciousness. These moments didn't just stir up feelings; they left us in awe. They're the kind of stories that send chills down your spine and make you want to stand up and applaud. And they're the kind of stories we should be sharing, stories that inspire us to break our own chains and challenge our own boundaries.

The Ever-Changing Storyline

The beauty of life is that it's not a static novel but an ever-evolving series. Every episode brings new characters who challenge the storyline's boundaries—your boundaries. So, let's enrich our community’s narrative by celebrating those LGBTQ voices that have not just survived but thrived, despite operating in spaces where they've been doubly marginalized. These voices enrich our collective story, making it far more vibrant, textured, and intriguing.

Building Community: The Role of Black Fraternities and Sororities

When we think about community-building in professional and educational spaces, we often overlook a powerful cornerstone that has transformed lives for over a century: Black fraternities and sororities. This isn't your typical rite-of-passage college experience. This is a lifetime commitment to excellence, leadership, and—most importantly—each other.

The Power of Ritual in Life-Long Bonds

When you hear "Black fraternities and sororities," what comes to mind? Step shows, charity drives, maybe those iconic sweatshirts with Greek letters? Sure, but that's the surface. Let’s peel back the layers. Black fraternities and sororities are like an underground river—always there but often unnoticed. Their role in community building is nothing short of revolutionary.

Why? Because ritual and tradition are deeply embedded in the DNA of these organizations. A handshake isn't just a handshake. A chant isn't just words. These rituals, often formulated over a century ago, serve as an intergenerational glue. They transcend time, physical space, and even life stages. When you encounter a member, whether in a boardroom in Wall Street or a community center in Atlanta, these rituals unlock a reservoir of shared history, values, and ambition.

Your Daily Reminder

How often do we overlook the power of habit in professional growth? Let's take a leaf from the book of Black fraternities and sororities. Create your personal or professional ritual. It could be as simple as a daily mantra you share with your team or a unique way you greet your clients. Something that symbolizes your values, your mission. Make it a daily routine and see how it elevates your sense of belonging and fuels your ambition. Think of it as your secret sauce in building a community around your personal brand or business.

Get Excited About Connection!

Feel that shiver down your spine when you realize you've found your people? That’s not just serendipity. That’s the universe telling you, “This is where you belong!” And let me tell you, the joy and awe you feel when you find that kind of connection can't be rivaled. Black fraternities and sororities have institutionalized this phenomenon. Members don’t just find friends; they find brothers and sisters, mentors, business partners, role models. It’s not just about networking. It’s soul-working.

The Alchemy of Building Community

Imagine you’ve landed your dream job, but you walk into that pristine office only to realize you feel isolated, maybe even lost. Now, imagine walking into that same office and you see someone throwing up a familiar hand sign or wearing a pin that represents your fraternity or sorority. In that moment, you know you're not alone. You're part of a legacy that stretches from the era of civil rights movements to the corridors of today's top tech firms. This is the alchemy of building community, distilled in the very essence of Black fraternities and sororities. And it's time we all learn from it.

Summary

Black fraternities and sororities have nailed the art of community-building through rituals that extend beyond the academic years into professional spheres. So, don't just build networks; build communities. Establish your own daily rituals that encapsulate your values. Let the high-arousal emotions of awe and excitement be your guide. Finally, understand that a powerful community isn't just built; it’s woven through the threads of shared history, values, and ambitions.