The Struggle Continues

Original - Oil on canvas wrap
24" x 48"

I decided to paint these two strong Black sisters together as representing the female role in activist organizations of the Civil Rights times. On a personal note, it was during this time that light skinned sisters were able to be accepted by our own people as Black. It was a time of unity of our people to one cause…POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!! When James Brown sang, “I’m Black and I’m proud!” It felt wonderful to walk down the streets of Oakland California and throw up your fist in acknowledgement of another Brother or Sister passing by. I have not felt that kind of unity of my people until the election of Barack Obama.
I used the American Flag because out of this country comes the struggle for equality still. The Black Panther logo has broken out of the flag and leaps into the future.

Kathleen Neal was born on May 13, 1945, in Dallas, Texas. Kathleen Neal and Eldridge Cleaver were married on December 27, 1967. Kathleen Cleaver became the communications secretary and the first female member of the Black Panther Party’s decision-making body. She also served as the spokesperson and press secretary. She has served as faculty at Emory University School of Law.

Angela Davis was born on. January 26, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama. Davis was a vibrant activist during the Civil Rights Movement and was associated with the Black Panther Party. Davis is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Women's and Gender Studies Department at Syracuse University.