E21 -- Black [Art] History Special Episode {{Feb 04}}

 Name - Guest Writer: Tia Nichols - pull to a new doc if Tia sends anything... 

Black ART History Month Feb 2025

screenshot from duckduckgo.com 

As a former solo/reference librarian, one of my strengths is in finding and highlighting the work of others. That is, knowing when not to reinvent the wheel. So, in honor of Black History Month in the US, here’s a list of resources, each devoted to Black Art in Detroit, MI.

Black artists from Detroit have played a pivotal role in shaping American culture and the global arts scene. Their contributions to music, art, and literature have profoundly impacted society. 

Here's why they're important to know about:

1. Cultural Influence:

Image from Detroit Public Library website
https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/ 

• Music: Detroit has been a hub for groundbreaking music genres like Motown, soul, funk, techno, and hip-hop. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and countless others have shaped the sound of American music and beyond.

• Art: Artists like Charles McGee, G.W. Haywood, and Harold Neal have created powerful and thought-provoking works that explore themes of race, identity, and social justice.

• Literature: Detroit has produced renowned writers like James Baldwin and Alice Walker, who have used their art to address issues of race, class, and gender inequality.

2. Social and Political Impact:

• Civil Rights Movement: Detroit has been a center of the Civil Rights Movement, and Black artists have used their work to challenge racial injustice and promote social change.

• Community Empowerment: Many Black artists in Detroit have used their art to empower their communities and inspire social change.

3. Economic Impact:

• Creative Industries: Detroit's creative industries, driven largely by Black artists, have contributed significantly to the city's economy.

• Cultural Tourism: Detroit's rich cultural heritage, including its music and art, attracts tourists from around the world.

In conclusion, Black artists from Detroit have made significant contributions to American culture and the global arts scene. Their work inspires and challenges us; their legacy will be felt for generations.

Creatives Having Coffee is pleased to present a few notable websites and articles focusing on black artists in Detroit, MI. 

Get your pot  o'coffee going -

Gotta start with the Royalty: https://www.motownrecords.com 

From Black Life Arts & Culture (BLAC Detroit): https://www.blac.media/arts-culture/10-amazing-black-detroit-artists/ 

These Museum Streets: https://www.thesemuseumstreets.com/post/black-artists-archive 

The ‘Gander [Michigan News You Can Use]: https://gandernewsroom.com/2024/02/13/motown-masterpieces-10-detroit-destinations-for-black-history-month-art/ 

Hyperallergic: Half a Century of Black Art in Detroit: https://hyperallergic.com/939245/half-a-century-of-black-art-in-detroit-gallery-7-mocad/ 

TMG Design and Media has a large portion of their website dedicated to uncovering and sharing Black Artists and Designers’ works https://www.tmgdesignandmedia.com/projectsanskofa 

WDBM 89 FM “The Black History of Our Favorite Music: How Detroit’s musical history and Black artists shaped modern music” https://impact89fm.org/109495/music/the-black-history-of-our-favorite-music-how-detroits-musical-history-and-black-artists-shaped-modern-music 

From a big-heart neighborhood in Motown, Wayne State University Libraries: https://guides.lib.wayne.edu/Music/DetroitMusic 

Want to orient yourself a little more with some of the heavy-lifting contributions of black artists:

A little Wikipedia orienting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_art 

The Pensacola Macaroni Kid has a great introduction to Black Artists: https://pensacola.macaronikid.com/articles/65bce83db746af40cad1f0fe/the-soulful-rhythms-of-black-history--a-journey-through-black-music 

Print Mag features: https://www.printmag.com/featured-design-history/13-african-american-graphic-designers-you-should-know/ 

From the Stanford University Librarians: https://guides.library.stanford.edu/c.php?g=1163998 

We hope this list has inspired you and filled some historical gaps. Thank you for your continued support. Next time, we'll be back to our regular interview format.