Emory Douglas: An Honorable Artist

Emory Douglas was the ultra-talented Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party from 1967 until the party's demise in 1980s. Colette Gaiter, Associate Professor of Art at the University of Delaware, described Douglas as "the Norman Rockwell of the ghetto, concentrating on the poor and oppressed." Douglas' work has been memorialized in a book titled, Black Panther: The Revolutionary Art of Emory Douglas.

With harsh illustrations, Emory Douglas visually interpreted the struggle in his community and beyond. Douglas' subjects were real and people are still able to relate to his artistic commentary. His work continues to be celebrated and influence artists who hope to use their talent to challenge society and its many ills.

You can check out more of his work and commentary on the Museum of Contemporary Art site.