Black History Month No. 9

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Honoring Black History Month

February marks a special time for melanated people throughout the United States. And with Black History Month being a beacon of inspiration for people of color it is with upmost pleasure to commemorate Black History Month in the February issue of Epiphany.

Epiphany is extremely proud to collaborate with the Black Artist Foundry for the February issue. The three brilliant artists presented by BAF create versatile work that expresses their truths and tells their stories through art. Along with highlighting these local artists in the February issue, we’ve revisited the past to pay homage to the quintessential artists that made art to support and fuel the Civil Rights Movement.

Today, Sacramento is in the top five of the most diverse cities in the United States— yet opportunities for melanated artists are low on the priority list. In this issue we sit with the founder of Black Artist Foundry Faith J. Mckinnie— and unveil the systemic issues that often bleed into the art world— and how BAF has continued to provide essential opportunities for melanated artists across the U.S.

With Gratitude, Eddie Walker Editor-in-chief

Katerina Graziosi graduated from California State Unive rsity, Sacramento in 2021 and currently works as a freelance journalist. Having majored in journalism and minored in sociology, she is passionate about storyteling, social justice, progressive poli-

politics and the arts. A A first-generation American, Katerina has been living in the city of trees for the past 14 years and her work appears in The State Hornet, the Sacramento Bus-

and

CONTENTS

The Black Arts Movement

Faithfully Funding the Future of Black Art

The Legacy of AFRICobra

The Music Behind the Movement

A Discussion with Delgreta Brown

Cornbread The Godfather of Graffitti

The United Graffitti Artists (UGA)

The Birth Black Magazines

Joha Harrison: Reaching New Heights

Contemporary art with Kehinde Wiley

Meet Muralist Beth Consetta Rubel

Angela Davis, 1971 by Gerald Williams

Primal Force, 1975

- Nelson Stevens

1965

The Black Arts Movement

The Black Arts Movement gave the power to the African American community to create and control their own narrative through virtually every medium of art.

By Eddie Walker

The Black Arts Movement, also known as the Black Aesthetic movement began in Harlem in 1965, and thrived up until 1975. It was an extension of the Civil Rights Movement that is best known for the work concerning black culture and race issues.

The Black Arts Movement sought to create art that reflected the African-American experience and addressed issues like racism, poverty, segregation, and discrimination against African Americans in America. The Black Arts Movement resulted in artists by exploring their own cultural identities through poetry, music, dance and other forms of creative expression.

Amiri Baraka known as the father of The Black Arts Movement, was an American poet, playwright and essayist who in 1964, founded the Black Arts Repertory Theater in Harlem, NY. The Black Arts Repertory was the initial spark that gave melanated artists a platform to voice and showcase their arts.

After The Black Arts Repertory Theater opened several other black owned and operated theaters and publications began to contribute to The Black Arts Movement by publishing and showcasing melanated writers, poets, and artists. In Chicago, The Negro Digest and Third World Press would grow to become popular publications throughout the era.

The Black Arts Movement, it wasn’t long before major cities in other states followed suit.

A movement initiated and fueled by Melanated men was often expressed with hyper masculinity due to the constant oppression and degradation melanated men endured in their day to day lives. However, women writers and poets such as June Jordan, Nikki Giovanni, Sonja Sanchez, and others joined the effort to cultivate a united front that would bring together melanated men and women.

Other key figures of the movement include poet, musician, and songwriter Gil Scott-Heron the great mind behind “The Revolution will not be Televised,” writer Ntozake Shange, Sonia Sanchez, musician Mikes Coltrane, and playwright Larry Neal. These artists were part of an artistic community that emerged in Harlem during this time period—a community where black artists could gather together without the racists and degrading ideals of white America at the time.These artists helped shape a new generation of proud black artists.

AmiriBarakacenterandYusefmansecondfromleft)withmusiciansandactorsofthe blackartsmovement,SpiritHouse,Newark,NewJersey,1966 ImageCourtesyHowardUniversityDigitalCollections.

Icons of the Black Arts Movement

June Jordan

Amiri Barkara

The soul that ignited the Black Arts Movement. Baraka was an American poet, playwright, author, and editor.

Popular Works

“The Dead Lecturer” the play

“Dutchman”, and the historical survey

“Blues People: Negro Music in White America”. and his poem “Somebody Blew up America” being particularly well-known.

Gil Scott-Heron

jazz poet, singer, musician, and author, spoken-word performer.

Popular Works

“The Revolution will not be televised.” speech.

Jamaican American writer, poet, playwright, essayist and activist. wrote 28 books including children’s books.

Popular Works

“poem about my rights”

Nikki Giovanni

poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator.

Popular Works

“Bicycles”, “Black Judgement”, “Chasing Utopia”, “Ego-Tripping”, “Gemini”, “I Am Loved”

BAF founder Faith J. Mckinney

Photo Credit: Andrew Calisterio

Faithfully funding the future of Black art

Sacramento-based Black Artist Foundry (Black AF) grants funds to artists nationwide.

By Katerina Graziosi

Faith J. McKinnie knew the exact color palette she wanted her bedroom when she was 6-years-old: bright yellow — to rival her sister’s sun-drenched room — with accents of teal and pink. The Alabama native has always had a proclivity for aesthetic, having grown up in South Sacramento in an art-filled house and exposed to the works of contemporary Black artists like Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold and Barkley L. Hendricks from an early age.

Yet the 40-year-old multi-hyphenate did not consider herself an artist until recently.

“I’ve always been really curious about design thinking and how images and visual communication impact our personal and public lives.” McKinnie said, adding that she’s newly started using designer in her title. “At that age, I didn’t equate it to being a creative.”

Now, the curator and designer is the founding director of the Sacramento-based Black Artist Foundry (BAF or Black AF), a nonprofit organization working to support and center Black creatives by providing funds and access to resources while addressing systemic barriers and serving as a conduit for community and collaboration.

“I was compelled at a very young age to prioritize and advocate for Black artists,” McKinnie said, adding that her resolution became even stronger while earning her art history degree from Arizona State University. “I realized that my peers, both Black and white, were inherently undervaluing and under recognizing Black art.”

Founded in the summer of 2020, amid an intensifying pandemic and the murder of George Floyd reigniting waves of protests against the systemic and institutional injustices perpetuated by police and government agenc

ies against communities of color, McKinnie said she and a handful of other Black artists created the formerly named Black Artist Fund – a GoFund Me page intended to get funds into the hands of artists, fast.

“All artists were impacted by Covid,” McKinnie said. “The loss of commissions, exhibitions, events, sales, collaboration, all those losses are endless, but I knew that this would most certainly deeply impact Black artists as they’re already facing these challenges in the region and across the country before the pandemic.”

McKinnie said that the opportunity for further growth, support and collaboration with Black artists became clear.

“I totally went at this not thinking about building an organization,” McKinnie said, adding that she was overwhelmed by the support of the community. “We raised $10,000 in the first 72 hours.”

With three rounds of funding to-date, through small grants and community donations, the organization has awarded $76,125 to over 100 Black artists across the country, with awards ranging from $250 to $2,000 of unrestricted funds. McKinnie said that although Sacramento artists were the focus of grants, the awards were extended to any Black artist nationwide and that a variety of creatives from nail techs to YouTube creators have applied.

“Just identify as Black,” McKinnie said about the qualifications for an artist to be a candidate for funds. “You’re a Black creative… It’s just that simple.”

McKinnie, who previously worked as the community engagement coordinator for the Crocker Art Museum, said feeling the weight of advocacy work to bring awareness to the predominantly white institution about its systemic and bureaucratic practices disadvantaging artists of color took a toll on her and she chose to withdraw her affiliation in 2021.

She said it is important to not perpetuate the barriers to entry for artists of color when building new systems of support.

“I think we continue to recreate these systems that don’t work for our communities,” McKinnie said about intentionally creating a straightfor-

ward approach to BAF’s grant applications, adding that large grantmakers often require lengthy dissertations or have complicated submission processes.

Joha Harrison, a mixed media artist and inaugural 2020 BAF recipient, recalls a direct process to being awarded funds.

“I made sure I was eligible [and] filled out an application,” Harrison wrote in an email. “[I] went through the decision making process and was awarded.”

Harrison, also one of this year’s chosen artists to display art in collaboration with the Sacramento Kings during Black History Month, said being a grantee helped propel his career.

“Being a recipient of the Black Artist Foundry awards was instrumental in my development and progression,” Harrison wrote. “It gave me confidence knowing that someone believed in me and my art.”

McKinnie said that although the foundry does not currently have a grant cycle open, one of the ways BAF continues to sustain engagement is through its online directory of artists.

“Put yourself on the registry and let people come find you,” McKinnie said, adding that the directory is for artists of all mediums and levels and serves as a networking platform for anyone looking to collaborate with a Black artist. “[It’s] something we haven’t had in Sacramento for any artists, not just Black artists, there’s not this database for that.”

But McKinnie said that the ability for artists to thrive does not happen in a vacuum and that community engagement is key.

“Support your local Black artists,” McKinnie said. “Buy a work from a Black artist, go to a show to support, contribute to what they’re creating because really, that’s what Black Artists Foundry is all about.”

Wadsworth Jarrell Black Prince, 1971

AfriCOBRA is a collective of artists who formed in Chicago, 1968. The name stands for African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists, it was founded by artists Jeff Donaldson, Wadsworth Jarrell, Barbara Jones-Hogu, and Gerald Williams. According to Jones-Hogu, “AfriCOBRA aimed to share with the African-American community the truth and beauty of black self-identity.”

The collective of AfriCOBRA sought to push the boundaries of what modern art looks like through the lenses of African American culture, a view point that hadn’t been widely recognized in the mainstream media and art scene at the time. Even more remarkable, the collective of AfriCOBRA successfully created a platform that allowed melanated artists to freely express themselves on the issues

of race, identity, and social justice.

Art wasn’t the only form of expression during this unique revolutionary time. A variety of media including painting, sculpture, photography and performance art was created to promote social change. Ultimately, shedding light on issues like racism and police brutality, while also highlighting the strength and soul within black culture.

AFRICOBRA held its exhibitions in three of Chicago’s South Side institutions: The South Side Community Art Center, the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, and The DuSable Museum of African American History. However, the first exhibition was held at the Studio Museum in Harlem, 1970— it was called AfriCOBRA.

Following the first show AfriCOBRA captured the attention of black artists. One of the most prominent and admirable artists was Wadsworth Jarrell was born in Albany, Georgia and studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is credited with assisting on the Wall of Respect, a mural that was created in 1968 to raise awareness about racial inequality and injustice. It features images of prominent African Americans and also includes words from Black Power movement leaders such as Stokely Carmichael, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. Jarrell says that he wants to make art that “reflects our own lives and our own experiences.”

(Left) Wadsworth Jarrell, (Middle) Jae Jarrell, and (Right) Gerald Williams. Three of the five founding members of AfriCOBRA.

“We wanted to make positive images in making statements, in directing and motivating them with particular thoughts, attitudes, and postures that we wanted to portray to the viewers.”

- Barbara Jones-Hogu

Africobra art

Wadsworth Jarrell Homage to a Giant, 1970

Jae Jarrell Frock you, 1994

Gerald Williams

Angela Davis, 1971

Music Behind The Movement:

The harlem CulT ural Fes Tival

EST. 1969

In 1969, The Harlem Cultural Festival became a landmark event in the history of African-American culture soulfully earning the title of “The Summer of Soul.” The festival highlighted monumental singers, bands, black community organizers, and civil rights leaders of the 60’s. Throughout predominantly white mainstream media the Festival was recognized as the “Black Woodstock” due to the close timing of the two events and focus around music and culture.

The festival was organized by Tony Lawrence an ebullient event organizer and was sponsored by Maxwell Coffee house. John Lindsay, the mayor of New York City at the time was also a dedicated supporter of the Harlem Cultural Festival.

The Harlem Cultural festival occurred during a time when black consciousness, Black Power, AfriCOBRA, and the Black Arts Movement were all at their peak following the civil rights movement.

The three-day festival took place in Harlem’s Mount Morris Park on Sundays beginning June 29, 1969 to August 24, 1969. The festival hosted soulful performances by Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, 5th Dimension, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Gladys Knight & The Pips, David Ruffin from The Temptations, and many other melanated artists of that time.

“The Summer of Soul”

The Fifth Dimension Harlem, NY. 1969

The event attracted over approximately 250,000 attendees over three days—throughout the duration of the festival there were no reports of any violence or hostility. This can be attributed to the success of the festival’s organizers, support from Mayor Lindsay’s office, and the members of The Panther Party. Officers from the New York City Police Department refused to provide security, so

The impact of The Harlem Culture Festival can’t be overstated: during a time of racial violence, segregation, and hatred— the Harlem Culture Festival brought unity and peace to thousands of melanated people from all walks of life. The Summer of Soul will always be a timeless festival.

Tony Lawrence recruited members of the black panther party to provide security.

NiNa SimoNe

“I’ll tell you what freedom is to me: No Fear.”

- NiNa SimoNe

PIANIST SINGER ACTIVIST

BILL BOARD HOT 100

Song: I love you

Porgy

Peak Date: 10/05/59

#18

Song: Young, Gifted, & Black

Peak Date: 10/17/70

#76

Song: Do What you Dotta Do

Peak Date: 10/26/68

little harder, think a little deeper.”

BILL BOARD HOT 100

Song: Everyday People

Peak Date: 02/15/69

Song: Family Affair

Peak Date: 12/04/71

Number: 1

Song: If You Want

Me Too Stay

Peak Date: 12/04/71

Number: 2

“You can make it if you try, push a

- Sly & The Family Stone

Inherting a generational love for art from both of her parents, Delgreta Brown’s mother specialized in acrylic painting and her father specialized in oil painting. Delgreta’s parents ultimately were a a major influence on her interest to paint— inevitably her parents would become her first art teachers, laying the foundation for Delgreta to blossom into the artist she is today.

Today Delgreta creates surrealsim using acrylic paint. Her passion for this medium stems entirely from her mother’s style of creating surreal landscapes.

Although Delgreta’s first passion was in painting, in college she began performing spoken poetry under the name Amariginal — which is the same name she used to form her business — Amariginal Art LLC, one of her biggest accomplisments as an artist and now aspiring entreprenuer.

One With All

“Forming Amariginal Art was really a big step for me. It’s nothing like having a dream of success, forming a business, working to watch it grow and move towards self-sufficiency. It takes on a life of its own.”

- Degreta Brown

Delgreta Brown

Celestials In-Sight is a portrait of three vertical faces of beings in a lavender pigment set against a deep violet background. Their faces are partially obscured by shadow and are surrounded by a myriad of stars. The faces seem to float amid stars/ celestials and space. The imagery is a dark feminine personification of the galaxy. Themes found in this work are femininity, natural identity, and luxury. The painting features sparkling crystal jewel embellishments affixed to the canvas to create a brilliant twinkling effect representational of stars.

Hi Delgreta, please introduce yourself to the readers

My name is Delgreta. I am a Contemporary and Afrofuturism Visual Artist. I enjoy reading, writing, painting, listening to a variety of music, and love world cultural cuisines. I would say my favorite food is Sushi--rolls and handrolls. I’m a Pescatarian / Vegetarian so fish and veggies only for me. Window shopping at Home Goods is a guilty pleasure-- I just go to look around, buy a new mug to drink tea out of. I collect tea mugs... It’s my “thing.” Everyone has a “thing.”

What ignited your passion for art? Who inspired you to become an artist?

I’ve always been a creative person--even as a child. My parents encouraged my creativity. I get my creative flair from them both. My late Mother was an acrylic painter and my Dad works with oil, ink and graphite. So I would say I was inspired and taught by them first. They were discouraged from having a career as an Artist--I was too. However, my parents loved art so much they instead became art collectors.

I was inspired by a lot of artwork from artists they collected throughout my youth.

What is your preferred medium of art? What attracted you to that style?

My primary medium of art is Acrylic. It was the first paint I was really introduced to. I tried oil in middle school for a project once and it turned out ghastly. I recall my Father telling me I couldn’t treat oil like acrylic--it requires a longer drying time. Acrylic dries faster, easier to fix accidents. I mentioned that my Mother was an acrylic painter--I saw one of her paintings while I was growing up and it left an impression on me. I think my surreal landscapes most resemble her style.

I see you started the LLC Amariginal Art, What is the significance behind the name Amariginal Art?

During my undergrad years I found that I had emerging skills as a Wordsmith. While pursuing my college degree I focused more on the Literary Arts and got heavy into writing poetry.

@amariginal_art_

I started frequenting Open Mic Nights to recite my poems as a “Spoken Word Artist” in performance art. I decided that the moniker I would use would be Amariginal. Fast-forward. The name of my company is attributed to my artist evolution encompassing love, originality and organic creativity.

What is the message you are aiming to express with your art?

“We are, who we have ALWAYS been.”

Other than art what else cap\ tures your attention/interests, is it a special cause or another form of creativity? Or something else altogether?

Black history is vast, the bits we were taught in school, barley scratch the surface. In your opinion, What’s a moment in black history that empowers and encourages you to continue to strive for black excellence?

I enjoy WORLD HISTORY and within that wider scope I am able to identify with what it means to be be a melanoid being on any continent. The black indigenous being is a global presence with very deep histories and multiple cultures. Being born in North America really is only one aspect of identity and/or ancestry. I connect to things much wider and bigger. The black origin story is more intricate because ancestors were exploring everywhere and creating everything. There’s limitlessness in knowing.

I’d like to work more in clay in the studio. I also want to produce more public art murals and installations. I’m interested in how technology expands artist’s creative expression.

What is your mantra for 2023?

Lean into your season of uncertainty.

What advice would you give to a new artist based on your own personal experiences?

“The Creative Artist is the Child who survived Adulthood.” Don’t listen to your inner critic. Ignore naysayers--only you have the vision for the things you want to create. Nurture your positive inner voice that tells you why you desire to create.

Have you had any creative breakthroughs lately?

I work on multiple projects all the time--there’s always a breakthrough. I am currently experimenting with painting using Watercolor, Gouache, Ink and Graphite on paper. These are totally different mediums than what I’m used to and what I have greater skill in. It’s just about learning new mediums and materials--how it fits into my creative toolkit. I’m learning that watercolors have an elegance that’s about controlled application. I’m starting to respect the medium. Gouache moves different too

What has been your proudest moment as an artist?

My proudest moment being an artist is still yet to come. I have had moments of extreme excitement in my career with solo shows and various projects. However, I think the thing that I’m happiest about is formalizing my studio practice into an arts business with getting my business license. Forming Amariginal Art was really a big step for me. It’s nothing like having a dream of success, forming a business, working to watch it

grow and move towards self-sufficiency. It takes on a life of its own.

What key lessons did you learn last year that you’ve implemented this year in 2023?

I learned to really trust in my ideas, decisions, and visions. A plan was given to me and me alone to achieve. And, to seek outside approval might be inviting invalidation, disappointment, detriment or negativity. People can’t always see where I’m going, how I’m going to get there or grasp concepts but that’s because it was never that other person’s dream to begin with. It’s not for that person to understand.

Anything else you would like to add?

Amariginal Art has artwork available in the online store at Sacramento.Shop. I have a continued collaboration with Arthouse AirBnB. Currently during the month of February I have artwork included in a group art show with Gallery 1075 at the West Sacramento Community Center. I am available to accept commissioned projects and public art murals. Follow me @amariginal_art_ on Instagram

and Facebook. New developments are happening all the time. There’s more adventures to come.

Connecting with nature as Delgreta proudly shows her piece “One With All” Photo Credit: Eddie Walker

2023

One With All: Soultree is a surreal Afrofuturism portrait focusing on the elements and sacred bodies: celestials, water and Earth. The painting connects to themes of legacy, matriarchy, serenity, humanity and the wisdom of trees. The work of art also hints at the reverence of Black hair and the tradition of adorning one’s own natural crown. The work underscores the themes of transition, expansion and illumination by using ethereal butterflies, dazzling stars and golden fireflies.

Black History Month | 23

Cornbread “Retires” in 1971

Photo Credit: Philidelphia Inquiuer

Darryl alexanDer Mccray AKA CornBread

Daryl Alexander McCray widely known by his tagging name as Cornbread is considered the first graffiti writer earning him the title the Godfather of Graffiti.

Born 1953 in Brewerytown, Philadelphia, Daryl spent two years in juvenile detention during his youth. While at the juvenile detention center Daryl would constantly irritate the head cook with repeated requests for fresh cornbread instead of white bread. One day the cook finally got fed up, and snatched Daryl by his shirt collar and threw him on the floor in front of the peers and counselors— yelling,

The Godfather of Graffiti

“Keep this Cornbread out my kitchen!”

Daryl’s peers began teasing him calling Daryl Cornbread. But Daryl embraced it and began writing Cornbread on the back of shirt— and although Daryl wasn’t gang affiliated, he would eventually develop relationships with gang members in the detention facilities and would begin tagging his new nickname next to the gangs.

Immediately upon his release

Cornbread began tagging everything throughout the streets to build his reputation.

Bus stops, park benches, street signs, pay phones, trains, and other surfaces were all Cornbreads for the taking.

One day the newspaper mistakenly reported that Cornbread was shot dead in a gang altercation—wasting no time to capitalize on the opportunity Cornbread took to the streets and tagged “Cornbread Lives” for everyone to see.

Everyone thought it was imposter, so cornbread took it up a notch and tagged Cornbread

Lives on a elephant in the New York City Zoo. Sometime after Cornbread also tagged the Jackson 5’s jet. Those daring and bold missions sealed cornbread’s reputation as a legitimate graffiti writer.

Cornbread pioneered tagging signatures on everything—you can find unique and distinctive graffiti art everywhere! But his legacy goes beyond just graffiti: he paved the way for artists today to be more daring with their work and break down boundaries in their respective art mediums.

EST. 1972

Graffiti has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 1960’s, in Philadelphia when graffiti artist Cornbread began tagging his name all over the city and pulling off daring tagging missions that would not only elevate his reputation but also jumpstart the Graffiti movement. Cornbread’s passion began spreading like wildfire to New York City and inspiring graffiti artists in the big Apple to create their own legacies.

In 1972, the United Graffiti Artists

(UGA) was formed by Hugo Martinez in New York City. Martinez was captivated by graffiti art, so sought to create a collective of talented graf writers to promote positive opportunities for artists to showcase their work and create innovative art together.

Martinez eventually connected with Henry 161 who introduced Martinez to several other graffiti writers from the Washington Heights area of New York.

The collective consisted of 16 artists, that would eventually make up The United Graffiti Artists (UGA). The members included SNAKE 1, SJK 171, MIKE 171, STITCH 1, HENRY 161, WICKED

GARY, BAMA, COCO 144, PHASE

2, CHARMIN 65, BUG 170, CANO

1, RICK 2, RICAN 619, RAY-B 954, LEE 163, STAY-HIGH 149, and NOVA 1.

The first UGA show was hosted by City College in December of 1972, when a collaborative work on one 10-by-40-foot wall was displayed for the public to see. The show was loved and would even be covered by The New York Times.

In April, 1973 UGA collaborated with the Joffrey Ballet and painted a massive rolling backdrop for a dance recital. The partnership was a success, demonstrating that graffiti can be acclimated to other mediums of art. Shortly after, the city provided UGA with a warehouse for creating and executing commissions—their art wasn’t just something people wanted to see on city walls anymore!

shows proving that graffiti art could be much more than the tagging of a name.

In 1975, UGA would cease its existence as a collective due to many disagreements and disputes between the collective of graf writers. However, some of the writers would go on creating and leveling up their skills, while others quit graffiti entirely.

But thanks to Hugo Martinez’s vision and efforts to introduce graffiti to canvasses the collective known as United Graffiti Artists, reaped many opportunities and shined a light on how constructive and versatile graffiti art can be.

Recognition began to takeoff for UGA as New York Magazine featured the group for a cover story. UGA continued to host group

The BirTh of essence Magazine

Founding Fathers of Essence

Essence Communications Inc. was founded in 1968 by Clarence O. Smith, Cecil Hollingsworth, Jonathan Blount, and Edward Lewis. The company published the first blackowned women’s magazine in the U.S., which will celebrate its 55th anniversary this year.

Despite the massive success that Essence Magazine has achieved today, the beginning was grueling. Within the first year the magazine had a high turn over rate. Three of the five original Cofounders/Editors in Chief quit within the first year. And in 1975, after the company began to make a profit, it was nearly bankrupt from the original three owners suing for their share of prof-

its. The three year lawsuit resulted in Hollingsworth selling his shares of the company, which would ultimately be the lifeline to save Essence magazine.

In 2000, Time Inc. purchased a 49% percent stake from owners Clarence Smith and Edward Lewis. In 2005, Time Inc. purchased the remaining stakes of the company, making Essence no longer black owned. In 2017, the new ownership was accused of discrimination and unfair treatment. Richelieu Dennis, an African businessman purchased Essence Communications, and is now under Essence Ventures. Since the new acquisition melanated women now operate and facilitate Essence

Essence Magazine has been awarded many prestigious awards over its 55-year history including winning Outstanding Magazine of the Year. The publication has received numerous awards, including several National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) awards, and has also created several awards, that include the Essence Literary Awards, the Power Award, the Shining Star Award, and the Vanguard Award that are all presented at the annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards, held each February.

Half a century later, Essence magazine has a circulation of more than 1 million and a readership base of 8.5 million. The prosperous company will continue to publish magazines for years to come showing what it means to be black, beautiful and gifted in a society that says otherwise.

First Issue Released in 1970

Black Enterprise Magazine was founded by Earl Graves Sr. and has been the premier African American business publication since 1970.

From its inception, it was founded on the principle that black businesses and entrepreneurs should have equal access to knowledge and resources on topics such as investing, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and corporate development. Black Enterprise Magazine has consistently and successfully provided informational access to the black community that will allow them to better their lives and the lives of their families.

In 1988, Earl Graves Sr. named his eldest son Earl Graves Jr. the Chief Executive Officer. Black Enterprise Magazine— which is dedicated to providing African Americans with the resources they need in order to succeed in business and life.

The magazine provides career advice and financial tips, as well as news about black businesses and economic news. It also features interviews with successful African Americans in business—including CEOs, founders, and other leaders who have paved the way for success in their fields.

The magazine’s evolution over time has mirrored that of its readership: as more and more people read online publications instead of printed ones, Black Enterprise Magazine releases digital issues alongside its print editions. As of December 2020, the renowned publication has now grown into a circulation of half a million with over 500,000 subscribers, and is approximately worth 22 million dollars.

FOUNDED

1970

Earl Graves Sr.

Photo credit: Sarah J. Glover

Surrender Was A Pose

Articulating his creativity through a mixture of artistic mediums, Joha Harrison expresses his visions from behind the camera and on the canvasses— combining homemade paper and acrylic paint to produce art that is in a special lane of it’s own.

Finding his purpose at the age of 7, Joha began giving life to his creative ideas at school and home on a regular bases. Joha’s home was often filled with many forms of diverse decorative arts that influenced Joha to make his own art. It wasn’t long before he realized art was the vehicle that would allow him to travel his life’s path.

At the age of 17, Joha relocated from Louisiana to Georgia. Then at the age of 26 Joha’s travels led him to California. Since then Joha has proudly made Sacramento his home living and creating as a full-time artist.

Accepting the responsibilites and challenges that come with creating art, Joha continues to produce dynamic work that addresses systemic issues and much more. Joha’s pieces also make one digest and admire the levels of cognizance embodied within Joha’s art.

JO HA: ONE WHO GIVES LIFE

JOHA HARRISON

“Being a recipient of The Black Artists Foundry Award, was instrumental in my development and progression. It gave me confidence, knowing that someone believed in me and my art. It also allowed me the opportunity to have space and breathe for a second so that I could focus on my work and career.”

-Joha Harrison

One on One with Joha Harrison

Blessings Joha, tell the readers a little about yourself.

Blessings. I’m 39 years old, but I’ll be in my prime until my last few breaths. Some of my favorite hobbies are taking photographs, making films, and traveling. I could travel for the rest of my life. I love learning about new places and cultures. Some of my favorite foods are crabs and crawfish.

You have a unique name, does Joha stand for something or have a special meaning?

Thank you. It’s an initialism, and means “one who gives life” I hated my name when I was younger because no one knew how to pronounce it. Some people would say it wrong and others would make fun of it. In elementary school, I researched name changes and found it cost $100 dollars. When I went to my mom to ask her her could I change my name, I watched her die inside. From that point on I embraced my name and as I got older, I realized it was the perfect name for me.

Joha Harrison sporting the Iconic Pulp Fiction hoodie.

Photo Credit: Eddie Walker 2023

What and who inspired you to become an artist?

So many answers to this question. My parents. All of the influences that they decorated our home with. They exposed us to so many different types of art from African masks, sculptures, paintings, prints, Cornel West and “I Dream A World” on the coffee table, Bob Marley, Sade, and DMX on the stereo. My teachers also, because we were always doing art in class.

When did you begin creating art? I started making art in elementary school and then I was making art at home and it was kinda this thing that was fun for me and it allowed me to spend time with myself. So, probably 2nd grade.

What is your medium of art? What attracted you to that style?

Medium: I would have to say mixed media. But any painting I make could be different. It could be all paint, all paper, all photography, or a mixture of everything, it’s just what I feel at the time.

I was attracted to these styles by experimenting and developing sense of what I like with each media. Then I take what I like and mix it together, or expound on the aspects that I like.

What inspires you to create a new piece?

Innate feelings, that feeling of having to express a painting out of me; and see what it looks like. Sometimes the pain I feel, I need to get it out by way of motion and creating. Taking the ugly pain and physically working it, and turning it into something beautiful. Also money to pay these bills.

When creating a new piece what does your creative routine/process look like?

My creative process is a mix of intense thinking and action, and sometimes I have to just get the canvas “dirty” so I won’t think forever. In this current time, I like to start with a background, then I decide how I want the piece to look or feel. Then I continue to let the piece speak to me. Depending on the time of the day, I may let sunshine in or light some candles. And music is a must, always.

Besides art what else captures your attention/interests? Is it a special cause, another form of creativity, or something else altogether?

Well, I’ve been a photographer for over 20 years. Photography was birthed out of my family moving from Louisiana to Georgia and me not wanting to leave my junior year in high school. So I acquired multiple disposable cameras per week, from the local grocery store and took photos of everything I wanted to remember. Filmmaking came about from my understanding of photography and knowing that if I can take great photographs, then I can direct great films. So I created a new era for myself.

Congratulations on being a recipient of The Black Artists Foundry award. How has winning the award helped further your creative endeavors?

Thank you. Being a recipient of The Black Artists Foundry Award, was instrumental in my development and progression. It gave me confidence, knowing that someone believed in me and my art. It also allowed me the opportunity to have space and breathe for a second so

that I could focus on my work and career.

The black history we have been taught is just the tip of the iceberg. The history of our people is deep, vast, and goes way back. What’s a moment in black history that empowers and encourages you more than anything else?

A moment in black history that encourages and empowers me is when Kunta refused to be called Toby. But for real, a moment that gives me energy when I first learned about Shaka Zulu. Also watching the juxtaposition of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

What advice would you give to a new artist based on your own personal experiences?

Based on my personal experiences the advice I would give a young artist is follow your heart and make the art that you want to make, don’t let your voice be muzzled.

As of lately, have you had any successful breakthroughs?

A successful breakthrough that I’ve had was completing my first commercial commission painting

What has been your proudest moment as an artist?

I have a lot of proud moments, but the moments that mean the most to me are the times when I was pushed and overcame myself; and produced timely art that needed to be seen. “Untitled” was the name of the installation I made at “Coordinates” in Sacramento California; this was one of this was one of those moments.

What key lessons did you learn last year that you’ve implemented this year in 2023?

The lesson that I learned last year was patience. Patience and relentlessness.

How can people support you?

People can support me by buying work, buying prints, donate, or just send a smile. Or you can tell someone about my work.

All Smiles from Joha. 2023

Photo Credit: Eddie Walker

Joha Harrison is going with the flow & Enjoying the process. 2023

Photo Credit: Eddie walker

“Between Blinks”

Joha Harrison,2021

Joha Harrison posing in Midtown Sacramento. 2023

Photo Credit: Eddie Walker

Kehinde Wiley

Kehinde Wiley born February 28, 1977 is a melanted artist from Los Angeles who received his Masters Degree in Fine Arts from Yale University in 2001 . Wiley made a name for himself by recreating classical portraits with a vibrant modern twist— often replacing Caucasian figures with modern urban melanated subjects, primarily young men situated in front of intricate floral backgrounds.

Using oil paint to create his soulful masterpieces, Wiley’s art focuses on the shift of perspective, by placing his melanated subjects in colonial esthetics and poses that have never before been seen in melanated communities until Wiley’s art.

Wiley’s work is unique in the context of diversification of Melanated subjects. In his travels

to various countries such as Mumbai, Senegal, Dakar, and Rio de Janeiro, he’s beautifully captured many types of individuals of African descent. Wiley named this diverse epic collection “World Stage.”

Wiley’s award winning art has been exhibited in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Berlin, Milan, and Paris. Major galleries such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art,

the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, Nasher Museum of Art, and several others all hold Wiley’s paintings.

Kehinde Wiley won the 2014 National Medal of Arts, Apollo’s Artist of the Year Award 2021, and the U.S. Department of State Medal of Arts. Wiley’s piece titled ‘Dimietrus Study’ sold for $649,200 USD at Sotheby’s in 2021.

My paintings are very much about the consumption and production of blackness. And how blackness is marketed to the world.

-Kehinde Wiley

Randerson Romualdo Cordeiro Kehinde Wiley, 2013

Jean De Carondelet

Kehinde Wiley, 2013

BETH CONSE A RUBEL

2023 Mantra

“I am tenacious.”

“I am divinely guided in all that I do.”

“Doors of opportunity are open to me now.”

“I am allowing myself to be great.”

Muralist & Portraitist Beth Consetta Rubel

These days Texas native Beth Rubel is something of a nomad artist— traveling back and forth from Texas to California completing remarkable murals. At the age of 15 Beth painted her first mural

at The Crisis Center in Bastrop, Texas— which consisted of a bustling garden scenery in the designated therapy rooms. Since then Beth has complet-

ed over a dozen murals.

Majority of Beth’s mural art is located throughout the state of Texas. However, in Sacramento Beth has completed four stunning murals. The two most recent murals are “Believe” completed in 2022, located at Sacramento State. And most recent, The Black History Month mural located downtown Sacramento behind the CRNA building. Which was completed on 2/22/23. In 2021, Beth became a recipient of the Black Artist Foundry, earning funds that assisted her in researching her families lineage.

Cultivating supreme credence within herself Beth is embarking on a grand year.

Get to know Beth

Hi Beth, tell me a little about your background and interests.

My name is Beth Consetta Rubel and I’m a visual artist from Austin, Texas currently residing in Sacramento. I enjoy traveling, exploring art museums and have a French bulldog named Suge.

When did your journey in art begin? What/who inspired you to become an artist?

I wanted to be an artist since I was a young child. Growing up in a tumultuous environment, I discovered creating artwork allowed me the opportunity to express myself without a voice. Art is the universal language and vehicle to communicate to the masses.

What is your preferred medium of art? What attracted you to that style?

Mixed media. When I was younger, I always used whatever supplies I had to create artwork despite insufficient funds. Especially fond of

drawing mediums such as, colored pencils, markers, ink and gouache paint. How did you get into large scale mural art?

Honestly, I love challenging myself and learning new techniques. My first mural was at age 15 at the Family Crisis Center for Women and Children in Bastrop, Texas. I painted tranquil garden scenes in the therapy rooms. Despite being unable to help the families coming in for support, that experience raised my awareness

Beth Consetta Rubel painting the New CRNA mural 2023.

on the powerful impact art can have on the public and fueled my desire to continue mural painting.

When creating a new piece or mural what does your creative routine/process look like?

Research! Pages and pages of notes and streams of thought. I definitely spend more time researching and understanding the subject I’m painting versus the technical execution.

Other than art what else captures your attention/interests? Is it a special cause, another form of creativity, or something else altogether?

In addition to art, I have a mild obsession with house plants and gardening.

Congratulations on being a recipient of The Black Artists Foundry award. How has winning the award helped further your creative endeavors?

I’m incredibly grateful for being a recipient of the BAF award. The funds have helped lay the foundation for a new body of work that requires researching my family lineage In Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Melanated people have accomplished so in the past, what’s a moment in Black History that you wholeheartedly love?

President Obama being elected is something that motivates and empowers me to never give up. I never thought I’d witness that in my lifetime. Incredible!

What advice would you give to a new artist based on your own personal experiences?

Collaborate and learn from others to help you grow your skill set and network.

As of lately, have you had any successful breakthroughs?

The momentum is there and I’m grateful and blessed to get paid to do what I love! I’ve had the opportunity to travel the country more for my artwork and hope to continue doing so.

What has been your proudest moment as an artist?

My proudest moment as an artist so

far is, completing the Northgate Blvd mural. I’m stronger emotionally more than ever after that experience. There was protest that attempted to cancel the city mural project because I’m not of Latin descent…… it was truly disheartening, however I didn’t back down and am incredibly proud of the hard work my team and I put into creating this legacy mural for Gardenland featuring local high school folklorico dancers.

What key lessons did you learn last year that you’ve implemented this year in 2023?

Last year was challenging in reference to racial tensions on a mural project I painted…. I learned to stand my ground, stay authentic, and am proud of myself for not giving up. The key lesson is to stay true to your beliefs and values and never cosign something you believe is wrong. We all have a difference of opinions and experiences, however I truly believe we have more in common with each other than not…..

What is your mantra for 2023?

“I am divinely guided in all that I do.” “I am tenacious.” “Doors of opportunity are open to me now.” “I am allowing myself to be great.”

Any final thoughts before we wrap it up?

Thank you for sharing my work!

BETH CONSE A RUBEL

Admist the countless hours of painting beth still smiles. 2023

Beth Paying homage to Yisrael Farms in newest mural. 2023

Photo Credit: Eddie Walker