Explore Black Communities

Take a closer look at multifaceted relationships, communities, and neighborhoods that shape American life.

Read:

• Between the World and Me: Ta-Nehisi Coates

  • This heartbreaking letter from a father to his son after the death of Trayvon Martin is key to understanding how Black masculinity is constructed in American contexts.

Look:

• William H. Johnson

  • Johnson is renown for his depictions of Black joy and family life.

• Faith Ringgold

  • Ringgold is among the most famous Black American artists. Her "story quilts" portray communities and families in New York City.

• Kerry James Marshall

  • Marshall paints glimpses of gatherings and intimate moments in cities and suburbia.

• Carrie Mae Weems

  • Weems' photographs capture the subtleties of the hopes, dreams, and fantasies of Black Americans.

• Theaster Gates

  • Gates' art and activism work in Chicago combats gentrification and displacement.

Watch:

• Do The Right Thing

  • This iconic film from director Spike Lee takes viewers into a New York City neighborhood on the hottest day of summer. Tensions run high as neighbors confront the racism in their community.

• Hoop Dreams

  • This documentary follows two young Black men who dream of someday becoming famous basketball players.

• Fences

  • This film adapted from a play provides an intimate look at the struggles of a family.