In creating The Black Male Artist-Professor Series, I am committed to recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of Black male visual artists who have also served as visual art and art education professors. These artist-educators have made significant contributions to the visual arts, art education, scholarship, and mentorship while teaching in visual art and/or art education programs at art schools, colleges, and universities throughout the United States, including institutions that historically excluded Black students and faculty from full participation in higher education.

Through portraiture, this series explores the symbolic significance of these individuals as educators, artists, scholars, and leaders whose presence within higher education has helped reshape the cultural and academic landscape. The paintings position these artist-professors as symbols of achievement, visibility, mentorship, resilience, and leadership, while acknowledging their role in expanding opportunities for future generations of artists and educators.

By documenting and honoring their contributions, this collection serves as both an artistic and educational resource, offering the global visual art and art education communities an opportunity to engage with the histories, legacies, and ongoing impact of Black male artist-professors in American higher education.