At Art Melanated we believe that shining a light on legendary artists of color is important not just for the recognition of their talent, but also for the understanding of our shared history. Knowing the stories and contributions of these artists helps to broaden our perspective and deepen our knowledge of the cultural heritage of our communities. By exploring their work and the challenges they faced, we can gain a greater appreciation for the resilience and creativity of melanated artists, as well as a deeper understanding of the ways in which systemic racism has impacted their opportunities and recognition. In this way, shining a light on legendary artists from our community serves not only to honor their contributions to the arts, but also to foster a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of communities of color and the central role they have played in shaping our collective history and cultural landscape. Here are a few of those artists.