BY JAYLIN FLEMING

Time and achievements can often control the conversation of debating the best artist of all time. The typical may mention greats like Michelangelo, Pablo Picasso, Van Gogh, and the list can go on and on. Much honor and respect to them for paving the way but a name like Virgil Abloh will be cemented in history for eternity. Virgil Abloh born by Ghanaian immigrant parents in Chicago, Illinois in 1980 was a graphic designer, architect, cultural icon, father, and family man. After earning a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he obtained a master’s degree in Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology. 

During his time at the Illinois Institute of Technology Virgil, met a professor Mies van der Rohe who introduced the combination of arts, crafts, and design all in one to Virgil. But Virgil's inspiration in fashion was from a very young age, “I muse reality, my ideas come from real people.” Virgil often speaks about how at a young age he would go into malls like Marc Jacobs and observe the pieces and pick up on things he liked. While at Wisconsin Madison, and visiting Chicago Virgil met Kanye West a musical artist from Chicago and they quickly developed a life long relationship. 

In 2009, Virgil and Kanye became interns at Fendi in Rome. Louis Vuitton CEO Michael Burke recently told The New York Times, “I was really impressed with how [Abloh and West] brought a whole new vibe to the studio and were disruptive in the best way. Virgil could create a metaphor and a new vocabulary to describe something as old-school as Fendi. I have been following his career ever since.” Virgil and West began to make clothes and were noticed in Paris fashion week because of their original creation. Picking up in 2011 Abloh art directed the album Watch the Throne by Jay-Z and West, an achievement that earns him a Grammy nomination. By this time Virgil Abloh's name had ringed bells all over the world; his journey was nowhere near over. 

In 2012, Virgil released his first brand Pyrex vision and then coined the term and brand “OFF-WHITE” which today is one of the biggest name brands in fashion history. Names like Beyoncé, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna etc were wearing OFF-WHITE and it began to get worse attention. Then in 2018 Virgil was named artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection all from an idea that he never knew would come to this magnitude. 

In 2019 Virgil was diagnosed with cardiac angiosarcoma but kept that information private and eventually died on November 28, 2021 had a sudden death that shocked and left a big hole in hearts across the world. Virgil’s imprint as a father, family man, artist will forever leave an inspiration to the human race to be yourself, be your own creator, and follow your own personal agenda. He will be deeply missed. 

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BY TRINITY LEE

 Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in 1960 in Brooklyn to a Haitian father and a Puerto Rican mother. Visiting museums, libraries, and the botanical gardens in the city growing up, curated Basquiat’s affinity for art. When he was 7 he was hit by a car while playing in the street. During his recovery, his mother entertained him with an anatomy book called Gray’s Anatomy. He became fascinated with the human body and this would inspire his future work. Basquiat first started to draw attention from the public with his and his friend’s graffiti tag: “SAMO” in 1978. It sarcastically mocked the corporate world, and society, and made statements like “Pay for Soup, Build A Fort, Set that on Fire.” The ambiguity of  Basquiat’s SAMO character got people talking. The 70s was home to the minimalist art movement characterized by geometric shapes and abstract ideas. The sterility of it all left young New Yorkers longing for something more.

 Basquiat dropped out of school and left home when he was seventeen years old. He slept in parks or on friends’ couches and partied at nightclubs. He DJ’d and moonlighted as a guitarist in a band called Gray. In 1980 he began to draw and paint and his art spread like wildfire. His first showing was in 1981. Art dealer and gallerist Annina Nosei established Basquiat as an artist in residence in her SoHo Gallery. She sold his paintings as quickly as he could produce them. When he arrived at the age of 24, his paintings were being sold to the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art for $10,000-$25,000. In just a few years, Basquiat was launched into the limelight. His friendships with Keith Haring and Andy Warhol further cemented his space in the art world.

 As he rose to fame, he struggled with racism, identity, and drug abuse. His work was often dubbed primitive by white audiences. Basquiat responded to the art world’s anti-blackness through his paintings. One painting called Defacement (The Death of Michael Stewart) enshrines graffiti artist Michael Stewart who was killed by police in 1983.  He also included revolutionary jazz musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, artists who broke racial barriers and refused to be pigeonholed, in a painting called Horn Players. 

 Jean Michel met a tragic end in 1988 at just 27 years old. From hip-hop references to collaborations with Coach, Jean Michel Basquiat’s legacy continues to impact art and popular culture today. 

BY DORSEY RICHMOND

Beyonce’s “Formation”, Rihanna and Calvin Harris’ “We Found Love”, Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance”, Snoop Dogg’s “Sensual Seduction", Ciara’s “Work” ft. Missy Elliott, or Jennifer Lopez “I’m Into You” are all or some of your favorite music videos right? Well the woman behind these music videos is Melina Matsoukas! Matsoukas has been directing music videos for high profile stars including Jay z, Beyonce, Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry, Pharrell, Rihanna, Solange, Ciara, Missy Elliot, Lady Gaga, Lily Allen, Christina Aguilera, and Ne-yo since 2006 and the ones we’ve named are only just a few. The Incredible Matsoukas won a Grammy for "Best Short Form Music Video" at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards and "Video of the Year" at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, making her the first ever woman director to win either of those awards.

Not only is Melina Matsoukas a music video director, she is also a film, commercial and television director. She was an executive producer and frequent director of the critically acclaimed HBO series insecure. In 2019 she debuted the phenomenal love story “Queen and Slim” which some refer to as “The Black Bonnie And Clyde” however, Queen and Slim weren’t criminals but innocent people escaping knowing they won't get a fair shake based off of the actions that took place in the movie. Matsoukas has made noise in the commercial world with major clients including Adidas, Stella McCartney, Coca-Cola, and Nike, like the equality campaign in 2017 featuring Lebron James, Serena Williams, and Michael B. Jordan, which went on to win a Graphite pencil at the 2017 D&AD Awards and a Bronze Film Craft Lion she also directed the Better Mamba Forever commercial created in remembrance of Kobe Bryant and narrated by Kendrick Lamar.

The great story teller Melina Matsoukas proceeds to make her mark today, currently developing new film and television projects. She has just signed in 2021 a first-look film deal with MGM through her production company De La Revolución Films.

BY JERICO FLEMING

You ask, "What is an artist?" The genuine meaning, however, refers to anyone who engages in any of the creative arts, such as a sculptor, novelist, poet, or filmmaker. My opinion may be a little different, but I think Madam C.J was an artist in addition to doing many other things. Knowing how to create hair products is, if anything, an art when it comes to hairstyles. I am aware that Madam C.J. receives a lot of admiration for being the first self-made millionaire in America, but we frequently overlook how inventive she had to be to accomplish part of what she achieved. Moving away from one's home state with only $1.25 to begin with requires a great deal of open-mindedness and a new venture from the ground up! She is a great source of motivation for our life as we reach for the stars!

BY Terence Lee

Felix Gary Gray is a black film and music director who is respected by many in the entertainment industry. You may have watched films like Friday, Straight Outta Compton, Men In Black: International, are just a few films he has directed so far in his career. Director Gray has also directed very popular music videos for very popular artists. Such as “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube, “ Waterfalls” by TLC and “ Ms. Jackson by Outcast, just to name a few. 

Director Felix Gray was born on July 17th, 1969 (age 53) in New York City, New York. Primarily raised in south Los Angeles, at the early age of 16 he decided he wanted to become a filmmaker. In high school, the school's AV program helped show him that he has a natural talent with the camera. Leaving high school he planned on working a few years in the film industry as an assistant. Soon after he directed his first music video for his former classmates the rap group WC and the Maad Circle (1989). Few years after that he got his big break directing Ice Cube’s “It’s Was A Good Day”(1993). 

To this day he is continuing to be a staple in the black entertainment industry as he continues to direct more films. The impact he has had already with movies like Friday and directing classic songs such as Ms . Jackson by Outkast should not go unnoticed. He continues to add to his steep resume currently working on a new Netflix film with Kevin Heart. Felix Gary Gray is still a legend in the making.

BY JAYLIN FLEMING

The Rollin sisters were a great family often forgotten not only in African American history, but world history. These five revolutionist were born in Charleston, South Carolina starting in the year of 1865. They included Frances Anne (November 19, 1845–October 17, 1901), Charlotte “Lottie” (1849–?), Kate (1851–March 4, 1876), Louisa (1858–?), and Florence (1861–?) 

All five sisters were descendants of immigrants of the St. Domingue Revolution in the 18th century. After the Civil War this damaged the family’s wealth, and caused the sisters to split up. Known for their charming, and sweet allegiance  they strictly gained interest in politics.  In 1867 Kate and Lonnie attempted to start their own African American school for boys and girls. After not enough funding Kate and Lonnie moved to Columbia.

In Columbia Lottie and Kate taught in Freedmen’s Bureau schools and again attempted to raise money to establish a Rollin family school. Later they each bought property in Columbia. Lottie became the first to  address the South Carolina legislature about women's rights. In 1871 Lottie led a rally at the State House to promote woman suffrage. She then went on to spearhead the creation of a South Carolina chapter of the American Woman Suffrage Association. Frances gained national notoriety in 1867 when she won one of the earliest Civil Rights lawsuits following the Civil War while working in an American Missionary Association school for freed children in Beaufort. The Rollin sisters were activist and political revolutionaries in the Reconstruction period for African Americans. The sisters were involved in the advancement of African American people by designing schools and curriculum.  They were among the first and most significant women suffragists in South Carolina during that era.

BY TRINITY LEE

Welteroth made headlines in April 2016, when she was anointed editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue magazine. She is one of the youngest to have ever worn this crown, and the second African American to have done so in all of Condé Nast's 107 year history.  She is also the first African American to have become Teen Vogue’s beauty director,  extending conversations of beauty hot topics to include black women. During her time with Teen Vogue, she challenged euro centricity, the status quo, and gave voice to the misunderstood and misrepresented Generation Z; with conversations of race, hair, and politics. 

 She started her career with an internship at Ebony magazine, when she reached out to editor at that time, Harriet Cole. Cole liked her moxy and professionalism so much that she offered Elaine an interview and cover shoot with Serena Williams. She worked from the bottom up at Ebony, to Glamour Magazine, to Teen Vogue, and the rest is history. She is currently a New York Times Bestseller with her memoir, ‘More Than Enough.’

●  ‘More Than Enough’ by Elaine Welteroth

●  Project Runway

●  ‘More Than Enough’ television adaptation

●  “The Talk” Show Host

BY DORSEY RICHMOND

Jay Morrison was a man destined to become something even after growing up in poverty, after dropping out of high school, and becoming a three-time felon by the age of 20. You don’t always hear of people coming up from these kind of mishaps. After experiencing so much in his past, Jay Morrison remained confident, maintained a positive attitude, and understood the power of ownership. He led a new way for the black community.

Black communities are often excluded from the economic revitalization needed to spark successful businesses that keep residents thriving. Jay Morrison, one of the many people, decided to create a business to uplift urban communities which were launched in 2018. He became the first African-American owned Regulation A+ Tier II crowdfund designed to revitalize urban communities across the U.S. 

The Funding business is based in Atlanta, but is named after the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma known as Black Wall Street. In 1921, this Black Wall Street inhabited more than 2,000 black-owned homes and businesses that thrived together as a self-sustaining community before they were destroyed by an angry white mob.  Hundreds of African-Americans were killed in the worst armed race riots in U.S. history. Morris came along many years later with a vision, hard work ethic, and dedication to build the community back up. Morrison and the help of his business partners raised over $9.6 Million.

BY TERENCE LEE

Mike Tomlin is the current head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tomlin is one of the very few Black coaches in the NFL, one of three actually out of 32 teams which is inexcusable considering the fact that about 70% of the NFL’s roster is Black men. There are plenty of Black men who are qualified to lead Black men in the NFL, but that is a topic for another day. Yes Tomlin is still coaching to this day and his script is not yet done.

Tomlin has coached the Steelers for 12 seasons and counting. During this time he became the youngest coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl at age 36, Tomlin is also only one of eight coaches to win a Super Bowl within his first two years of coaching that is a remarkable accomplishment. Tomlin is also only the second Black  coach to EVER win a Super Bowl in 2009. The great Tony Dungy was the first to do it when his Colts beat the Chicago Bears back in 2007. Tomlin continues to bring success to the Pittsburgh Steelers, never in his tenure with the team they have had a losing record. He is a leader of men, 60 players that he has coached have made the Pro Bowl under his leadership. If Tomlin was to retire today there is no doubt he would be in the Hall Of Fame.

BY JOHN FLEMING 

Muhammad Ali used his boxing platform to shine light on very important social issues. Early roots that his mom Mrs. Odessa Grady Clay instilled in him such as the importance of education, being honest, and being a stand up individual from a very young age stuck with him. 

On April 28, 1967 Muhammad Ali refused to go to the army after being drafted at the height of his career stating Vietnam had done him no wrong and that he wouldn't fight for a country that had oppressed him and wouldn't accept his decision even after explaining it was against his religious beliefs. He stood up for his beliefs regardless of the consequences and was sentenced to five years in prison, fined  $10,000 ,  and was banned from boxing for three years. Ali and his camp appealed this decision and he was able to avoid jail time and return to the boxing ring in October 26, 1970 knocking out his opponent.

 Throughout Ali's lifetime he continued to be a positive icon for our people. Devoting most of his later life to charitable work and his frequent trips to Africa giving back to kids and being with the people. Ali always spoke his mind and would even show the powerful law of attraction by predicting which round he would knock out his opponent and it would play out exactly like that! Such a unique individual. Ultimate courage and strength, We miss you Ali!

BY JERICO FLEMING

Mahmoud Abdul Rauf sacrificed a lot, but didn’t get nearly enough credit for it. Born Chris Jackson he changed his name when he became a Muslim. Not only did he become a NBA star, but he also stood firm on his beliefs. He was born and raised in Mississippi. Mahmoud went to the University of LSU to play basketball. He showed out by averaging 29.2 points in college. His stardom earned him a spot in the NBA. He got drafted in 1990.  He would play in the NBA for 10 years,  he could’ve played LONGER.

While he was in the NBA during the national anthem he would use that time to pray because he was  Muslim. The NBA and the outside world HATED him for this. Keep in mind this was before Quarterback Colin Kaepernick, so this was foreign to people. So the NBA took action and suspended him for 3 games and fined him $32,000. Eventually the NBA gave up on Rauf but he returned for one final season with the Grizzlies in 2001. He had a great NBA career though. This is so great because he was willing to put everything on the line for his beliefs and what he stands for. To do that
in front of millions of people a day takes a lot. He put his career on the line also. So if you're thinking about trailblazers for African athletes please don’t forget Mahmoud Abdul Rauf.