Via https://rediscovering-black-history.blogs.archives.gov/2017/01/19/thanks-obama/
Famous and not so popular African-American artists have actually remarkably shared representations of historical and contemporary individuals and events, cultural perspectives, and the experiences and struggles of minorities through their art work. This post highlights the essential work of Black artists who helped to bring African-American experiences into the elite art world. The art catches historic and contemporary experiences. Some art captures race and gender relations. Witchcrafts as a motion speaks straight to the needs and aspirations of Black America. The Black artist speaks with the cultural and spiritual needs of Black people in their artistry.
The practitioners of Black arts are inspired by a desire to challenge white power structures and assert an African American cultural identity. Black arts intend to serve the community and artists.
Today’s post was written by Netisha Currie, Archives Specialist at the National Archives at College Park.
Official Portrait of President Barack Obama (NAID 7851969)
Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States on November 4, 2008. By winning nearly 53% of the popular vote in an election that brought the highest voter turnout until the most recent election of 2016, Americans made history as we decided to chose an African American man to assume the highest office in the land.
As a two term President, Obama used all eight of his years in office to attempt to make America greater. Notable accomplishments include:
- the engineering and passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, often referred to as Obamacare
- introducing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the Stimulus Package
- appointing Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court
- openly endorsed same-sex marriage and commended the Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges
- oversaw the military operation that resulted in the death of Osama Bin Laden
- re-established diplomatic relations with Cuba
As the administration of President Barack Obama draws to a close, and government employees across the country undergo varying degrees of transition, many at National Archives offices throughout the country decided to take a selfie with the presidential portrait (or portraits) to mark the end of this historic time in our country.
Black artists emphasize racial pride, an appreciation of African heritage, and a dedication to produce works that show the culture and experiences of black people. In each period, occasions of the day galvanize black artists to create, organize, and transform the world.