I chose James Reese Europe because I think it is incredible how he persevered through so many aspects of life. Europe was not only a stunning composer/musician and a brave soldier for the Harlem Hellfighters, but he was also an expert at breaking through racial barriers. Although he faced more than his fair share of troubles, his incredible patience helped him break through. Throughout his life, James Reece Europe used effort, determination, and perseverance to find a way to push through the muck of racial prejudice and create a better world.

James Reese Europe was born on February 22, 1880, in Alabama, and from a young age he was interested in musical instruments such as the violin and the piano. By 1904, he moved to New York City and became not just a talented composer, but also an incredible leader in the Black rights movement. James worked for fairness for Black artists in the music industry, and when the U.S. entered WWI, he found a way to bring the joy of music to the battlefield by leading the Harlem Hellfighter’s band, which was an all-black regiment that fought in WWI and became renowned for their bravery on the battlefield. The German soldiers they were fighting coined the name “Hellfighters” due to their actions. Not only did James play music to uplift soldiers during war, he also became the first Black officer to lead troops into battle. After the war, he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, which is a medal for bravery. Although James Reese Europe tragically died in 1919, during his life he was a breathtaking composer, leader, and activist, and he continues to be an amazing example of defying the odds. Throughout his life, James helped pave the path for generations to follow.

I wanted to depict James Reese Europe in a place he deserved to be: at peace, playing a violin. However, I also wanted to show what grit and determination he had to be able to get to that point, which is why I portrayed him in the uniform he is wearing. I also wanted to show his creative side, so I made the background a collage of one of his songs. On top of this, I also assembled messages – such as fight for your rights – out of the lyrics of his songs that represent what he stood for. I chose his song, Patrol in No Man’s Land, because it really sums up WWI, and it is also a sad song. James Reece Europe wrote this song in a hospital while recovering from the war! I wanted to create an image of him that showed as much of his character as I could in my piece.

My Unsung Hero's Story has helped me understand that anyone can achieve their dreams despite the prejudice they face, and that grit and determination are very powerful things. I hope that if people see my artwork, it will make them stop and think and not just glance at it and walk by. I hope that they will be able to appreciate Europe’s story and realize that there are many heroes still out there who have not been adequately represented.