Dindga McCannon
Dindga McCannon (American, born 1945) is an artist, author, and activist known for her bold, mixed-media quilts, paintings, and prints that shine a light on Black culture, history, and feminism.
In 1971, McCannon joined forces with Faith Ringgold and Kay Brown to form Where We At, a collective for Black women artists. Frustrated by the exclusion they faced in both the white-dominated art world and male-led Black arts movements, they created a space to uplift and support one another—especially as they navigated the challenges of balancing art with motherhood.
McCannon’s semi-abstract painting, Woman #1 (acrylic on canvas, 1975-77), is a striking example of what she calls “imaginative portraiture.” At a time when themes of motherhood were often overlooked in art, she placed a pregnant woman front and center, making a powerful statement. Other standout works include Four Women (mixed media, 1998) and The Sisters (oil on canvas, 2020).
Glenalvin Goodridge
Glenalvin Goodridge (American, 1829–1867) was one of the first Black photographers in the United States. In 1847 at the age of 18, alongside his brothers, he opened one of the earliest Black-owned photography studios in the country—just a decade after the daguerreotype, an early form of photography, was introduced to America.
Despite facing racial discrimination, Goodridge built a thriving career, combining artistic vision with technical expertise to create striking portraits that preserved the faces and stories of his time. His advertisements promised clients a picture that would “last for ages unchanged,” reflecting the power of photography as both art and legacy. His work remains a vital part of early American photography, showcasing the contributions of Black artists in shaping visual history. Included with this post are some of Glenalvin’s captivating portraits from the 1850s.
Katherine Dunham
Katherine Dunham (American, 1909–2006) was a groundbreaking dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist whose work forever changed the world of modern dance. Known as the “matriarch of Black dance,” she blended classical ballet with the rich rhythms and movements of African and Caribbean dance traditions, creating a unique style that was both deeply expressive and technically brilliant. Her pioneering research in Haiti and the West Indies informed her choreography, bringing global Black dance traditions to the stage in a way that had never been seen before. Beyond her performances, Dunham was a passionate advocate for social justice, using dance to challenge racial barriers and promote cultural understanding. She founded the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, one of the first Black modern dance troupes in America, and trained generations of dancers who carried her legacy forward. Whether through her electrifying performances, innovative choreography, or activism, Dunham’s influence continues to shape the dance world today.
Faith Ringgold
Faith Ringgold (American, 1930 - 2024) was a pioneering African American artist, author, and activist known for her vibrant story quilts, which blend painting, textiles, and narrative to explore themes of race, history, and social justice.
In 1971, McCannon joined forces with Faith Ringgold and Kay Brown to form Where We At, a collective for Black women artists. Frustrated by the exclusion they faced in both the white-dominated art world and male-led Black arts movements, they created a space to uplift and support one another—especially as they navigated the challenges of balancing art with motherhood.
Their paintings also reflected their commitment to racial and gender equality. Ringgold’s The American People Series #18: The Flag is Bleeding (oil on canvas, 1967) comes from a series of her paintings that represent the racial tensions and political divisions of the 1960s. Other standout works of Ringgold’s include Coming to Jones Road Part 2 #7: Our Secret Wedding in the Woods, (quilt, 2010) and We Came to America, (quilt, 1997).
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