The Price Of Placid Waters

Original Oil on canvas
Size: 24" x 30"

While enjoying the calm and relaxing view at the lake in Piedmont Park in Mid Town, Atlanta, Georgia, the thought came to me that at one time my people were not allowed into the park to enjoy this view simply because of the color of their skin. Slave labor was used to create some of the most beautiful and serene views in and around Atlanta. This painting shows the beauty of the lake but hidden under it are the soles of Black children hidden and unrecognized in history for what their parents built.

The problem with history is that it is "his story" according to whoever writes it. Black contributions to America are too often glossed over as insignificant and not noteworthy. Failure to acknowledge and give credit for the works done by Blacks in history is to the detriment of our children...especially the Black male child. We as a Black people need to take control of the education of our children and entrust them only to those who know their true worth and believe in their success. He that does not know his history is doomed to repeat it.