By Jessup

Ernest Barnes’s (later Ernie) birthday was 7/15/1938 and he died 4/27/2009.

Ernie Barnes is celebrated because he was a star athlete who was picked to be on a championship worthy football team. Ernie was also called “America’s best painter of sports.” He was the official artist at the 1984 Olympic Games and had his painting featured in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Background info → In Ernie's life these are some big events. He got really excited when he got drafted to the pros, and when he painted The Bench (his most famous art piece). Ernie made The Bench after watching his team play in the championship game in 1959. It was his first football painting.

Childhood → Ernie Barnes's family was poor. He liked to mud paint and carried a sketch pad around when he grew too old to mud paint. Ernie had no siblings. In high school, he went to an art museum and saw that there where no negro paintings. When he was younger Ernie didn't talk much and he was really shy.

Obstacles → Ernie faced a lot of obstacles as a Black man during the Jim Crow era. Black people were treated unfairly, they faced segregation. His family didn't have a lot of money. He was bullied in high school and when he was bullied, he would hide and sketch.

Fun facts → These are a few fun facts. Ernie was an artist and a football player - “When I became an athlete I didn’t stop being an artist.” Ernie was 6’ 3” and he was very good at blocking in football. He was also really shy.

Traits:

Brave: In the sport of football there is a lot of tackling.

Creative: He made lots of different types of art like drawing, painting, and mud painting.

True to himself: Ernie always knew from a young age that he wanted to be an artist.

Relevance today → If I could ask Ernie any question it would be. What is your favorite artist?

Ernie Barnes is celebrated today because he made incredible art. He inspired people today because he had a lot of obstacles and overcame them.