“It is not the time that a person has lived that determines maturity, but what he does during that time.“
- Name: Aaron Douglas
- Born: May 26, 1899
- Died: February 2, 1979 (Age 79)
- From: Topeka, Kansas
- Occupation: Artist
- Works: Let My People Go, Aspiration, The Judgement Day
- Awards: Rosenwald Fellowship
- Fun Facts: He formed the Harlem Artists Guild, his first illustration was Alain Locke’s book, The Negro, and he can be referred to as the “father of African American art”
Douglas shared the passion of art with his mother and from then on would use that passion to make a difference. Even though he faced discrimination and racism, he worked past it to earn money and learn more about art by taking evening classes at the Detroit Museum of Art. He immersed himself in the thriving culture in Harlem, New York during the Harlem Renaissance and developed his signature style to illustrate his first commissions. During his time, he was one of many other artists that depicted the experiences people like him faced during that time with power and passion.
Handout
To download the Handout:
- Click on the image
- Right-click and select Save Image As…
- Write a description on the line and decorate.
- Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
- Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
- Check out more resources and ways to celebrate MLK can be found on these links as well as our official Day of Service opportunity to volunteer.
This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.