Samella Lewis

Samella Lewis (1924–2022) was a trailblazing African American art historian, curator, and educator whose scholarly work fundamentally shaped the recognition and study of Black American art. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Lewis earned her degrees from Florida A&M University and the University of Southern California, establishing herself as an expert in African American visual culture at a time when such scholarship was marginalized in academic institutions. In 1968, she co-founded the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Boston, serving as its director and establishing it as a vital institution for celebrating and preserving the work of Black artists. Lewis authored numerous groundbreaking publications, including "Art: African American," which became essential texts in art history curricula nationwide. Her curatorial work and scholarship were instrumental in bringing recognition to overlooked Black artists and ensuring their inclusion in the American art canon. Beyond institutional work, Lewis was a passionate educator who mentored countless students and advocated tirelessly for the integration of African American perspectives into mainstream art history. Her legacy extends through the institutions she founded, the artists she championed, and the generations of scholars she inspired to center Black creativity and excellence in their work.