Terri Marshall has an online social media presence filled with images of her grandchildren and mother, as well as reminders of God’s love. Her optimism led me to choose a piece of Alma Thomas’s work. Alma Thomas liked to paint the beauty of the world around her rather than focus her artistic voice on creating a political message about the oppression of both African Americans and women.

Portrait Inspiration: Irises, Tulips, Jonquils and Crocuses by Alma Thomas

Portrait by: Danielle Harrell

Thank you to MIBOR for their support in the creation of this portrait.

Ms. Wiletta Atkins is brimming with soft power. Despite being rather reserved, she serves as President of Oak Hill Civic Association. She has a calm, dignified presence like the women in the works of Laura Wheeler Waring. Artist Cierra Johnson used the floral background elements of Waring to bring Ms. Wiletta’s poise to the foreground.

Portrait Inspiration: works of Laura Wheeler Waring

Portrait by: Cierra Johnson

Paula Brooks is in touch with her roots. She has spent years fighting for environmental justice in her neighborhood of Ransom Place and working with the Hoosier Environmental Council. She is a fierce advocate for her community and culture. Artist Cierra Johnson wanted to celebrate Ms. Paula with the Pan-African style of Lois Mailou Jones.

Portrait Inspiration: Lois Mailou Jones

Portrait by: Cierra Johnson

Ms. Cynthia is one of our newest greatriarchs, and we are so happy to have her. She is soft-spoken and very demure, almost mysterious. I choose the abstracted works of Lilian Thomas Burwell for her background elements to reflect her mysterious and feminine demeanor.

Portrait Inspiration: Lilian Thomas Burwell

Portrait by: Cierra Johnson

Dr. Johnson has been putting faith into action her whole life. Born to a large Catholic family, she is an educator and world traveler. I choose to reference the work of Faith Ringgold for her portrait because of its connection to civil rights and storytelling. Ringgold quilts tell the story of America, and Dr. Johnson has spent years working in government to shape that history for herself and her students.

Portrait Inspiration: Faith Ringgold

Portrait by: Cierra Johnson

Ms. Delma is an outspoken advocate for her neighborhood. She is an active member of One Voice, the Martindale-Brightwood resident congress. She is bold, bright, and fierce. I choose the work of Emma Amos to reflect her vivid personality.

Portrait Inspiration: Emma Amos

Portrait by: Cierra Johnson

Mr. Classie has been a builder most of his life. He has over 40 years of construction experience, using his knowledge to build structures and communities. I choose to use elements from the work of Jacob Lawrence, whose paintings frequently depict blue-collar life in African-American communities. I'm excited to celebrate Mr. Classie and the work of many other black men who uphold our culture.

Portrait Inspiration: Jacob Lawrence

Portrait by: Cierra Johnson

Captain Kimberly Young has led a rich and fulfilling life, marked by a journey that culminated in her dream occupation. Upon hearing her narrative, it became evident that Faith Ringgold's artistic style perfectly encapsulates the essence of this remarkable individual. The painted quilt squares symbolize the stepping stones in Captain Young's life journey. The vibrant hues employed carry a dual significance. Firstly, they reflect a love for color, and secondly, they embody her enduring spirit and zest for adventure. Deliberately choosing blue as the predominant color, mirroring her attire during the interview and symbolizing her role as a law enforcement officer, underscores her dedication and ambition. Captain Young's innate inclination towards service and her altruistic nature shines through in her genuine desire to assist and uplift others.

Portrait Inspiration:Dancing on the Washington Bridge by Faith Ringgold

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

The portrait of Dr. Clete Ladd draws inspiration from Gordon Parks. Dr. Ladd's work involved interviews with veterans and delving into the history of black veterans at the library. He initiated local Boys and Girls Club programs and served as a military photographer. Besides his professional endeavors, Dr. Ladd found solace and guidance in religion, which significantly influenced his social and emotional development. Through a dual approach of conducting interviews and capturing moments with his camera, Dr. Ladd adeptly documented stories. Symbolically, the circles in the portrait represent the camera lenses of the artist, Parks, and the veteran, Ladd. Dr. Ladd emphasizes the multifaceted contributions of veterans, stating, "Veterans don't just fight in the war; we contribute in other ways."

Portrait Inspiration: Self Portrait by Gordon Parks, 1948

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

Gina Fears serves as the Assistant Director of Recovery and Community Services at PACE (Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry). Her portrait draws inspiration from Sam Gilliam and his artwork, "Whirlirama." Gilliam's creation resonated strongly with the desire for a painting characterized by expressive techniques. The concept of recovery encompasses a spectrum of experiences, ranging from daunting and ambiguous to challenging and exquisite. Gilliam's art adeptly captures this multifaceted essence.

Portrait Inspiration: Whirlirama by Sam Gilliam, 1969

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

Gina Lewis Alexander is deeply rooted in community values, reflecting her strong familial connections and belief in the importance of mutual support. According to Alexander, success is intertwined with one's ability to assist others. When discussing her family, Gina emphasizes the presence of multiple supportive circles, including her immediate family, church community, and close companions who have shared her life journey.
Gina actively advocates for her community by participating in various board memberships and maintaining close ties with local residents. She holds a profound respect for African American women, whom she regards as the cornerstone of the nation. Her dedication to her work is fueled by her daughter's legacy, which instills in her a sense of purpose and pride.
Inspired by the profound bond between mother and child, Gina's portrait is influenced by Elizabeth Catlett's sculpture, "Mother and Child." Crafted in 1985 from cast bronze with a radiant patina, this captivating artwork consists of two distinct pieces—a mother figure and a child—designed to interlock seamlessly. Catlett's interpretation of motherhood is symbolized by the child nestled within the mother's abstract form, a motif she explored through various mediums in multiple renditions.

Portrait Inspiration: Mother and Child by Elizabeth Catlett

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

A dedicated community advocate, Linda Minter particularly cherishes her interactions with senior citizens. Currently serving on the neighborhood association, Linda passionately supports family values and community welfare. Her profound commitment to her Muslim faith resonates in her daily life. Notably, her distinctive red hijab mirrors her vibrant persona. The inspiration for this portrait stems from the renowned abstract artist Mavis Iona Pusey, a Jamaican-born American celebrated for her nonrepresentational artistry. Pusey, recognized for her abstract urban-inspired compositions, was a prominent figure in abstractionism. This artistic choice aligns seamlessly with Minter's experiences of relocating due to demographic shifts and witnessing transformations within the Martindale Brightwood community. Given that many Muslims abstain from visual depictions, viewing them as potentially idolatrous, Pusey's abstract style serves as an apt choice for this portrait.

Portrait Inspiration: Untitled by Mavis Pusey, 1964

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

Minister Shirley Jackson of Bridge Over Troubled Water Ministries has a favorite childhood memory of the barbershop where several generations of her family went to get their hair done. This classic aesthetic of a black-and-white barbershop floor inspired the black-and-white motif of her portrait background. The abstract painting by Lilian Thomas Burwell, Arctic Flow,  resonates beautifully with the spirit of Minister Jackson's portrait.

Portrait Inspiration: Arctic Flow by Lilian Thomas Burwell

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

James "Billie" Tucker was an exceptionally talented basketball player drafted by the New York Knicks in 1979. However, racial discrimination prevented his career growth. His painting was inspired by EJ Montgomery's artwork, "Fall Winds," which serves as a poignant illustration of turmoil and resonates with the discrimination theme. This striking piece not only embodies beauty but also visually represents Tucker's journey. Through his own challenges, he channeled his bitterness into providing transformative support and guidance to others.

Portrait Inspiration: Fall Winds by EJ Montgomery

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

Like his father, Irvin Brimnage is artistic, handy, and committed to his community. Thus, his painting is inspired by The Builders by artist Jacob Lawrence. His use of block-like figures, bold shapes, and the prominent red in the original painting conveys a sense of strength. The block-shaped figures can be seen as pillars, representing a solid foundation within the composition. Brimmage embodies the spirit of one of those pillars; he is firmly rooted in his community and has expressed his commitment to remain there for life.

Portrait Inspiration:  The Builders by Jacob Lawrence

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

As a Black woman and pioneer in the broadcasting/news field, Noreen Grace Scott is proud of her professional reputation and accomplishments. Her painting was inspired by Alma W. Thomas's mosaic-like collection, “Everything is Beautiful." Its vibrant colors are arranged in a circular pattern. The irregular shapes within the piece are both interconnected and distinct, much like Ms. Scott's multifaceted contributions. Thomas' piece depicts music and evokes a sense of rhythm, referencing Scott's gift of a gramophone to the Polklore Micro-Museum. 

Portrait Inspiration: Everything is Beautiful by Alma W. Thomas

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

Joanna Franklin's family legacy is McKinstrey's Ice Cream, which was on 25th Street. Her radiant smile and vibrant outfit featuring different shades of blue and exquisite turquoise jewelry evoke Minnie Evans's artistic style. Evan's bright colors and dynamic elements honor Franklin's lively spirit. Inspired by Evans' artwork which often frames the central figure with imaginative floral motifs and foliage, this painting frames Franklin's face and effectively accentuates her smile.

Portrait Inspiration: Untitled by Minnie Evans

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

Dr. Dorothy Herron exemplifies a life dedicated to making the most of every endeavor. She willingly serves and creates opportunities for those in need, embodying a spirit of adventure and embracing divinely inspired opportunities. Her painting is inspired by the artist Betty Blayton and her work titled Accepting Life Forces #3, which resonates deeply with Dr. Herron's narrative. The abstract shapes and soft pastel colors reflect her temperament; she possesses a gentle demeanor while exerting a profound impact on those around her.

Portrait Inspiration: Accepting Life Forces #3 by Betty Blayton

Portrait by: Tashema Davis

Son of civil rights leader Andrew J. Brown, Dr Thomas Brown also became a leader in his own right, continuing the fight for freedom through Operation Breadbasket and hosting his own radio show, Harmabe. This painting is inspired by this narrative of freedom and the uplifting work of Aaron Douglas, The Judgment Day. The green symbolizes growth, rebirth, and renewal, aligning with Dr. Brown's message. The vibrant artwork conveys a sense of hope, mirroring the inspiring nature of Dr. Brown's stories, which he narrates with profound optimism.

Portrait Inspiration: The Judgment Day by Aaron Douglas

Portrait by: Tashema Davis