In a recent #SistoryLessons blog post, we looked at Brown Girl Artists whose lives exemplified resistance:
Pacita Abad, who stitched protest into her trapunto paintings, telling stories from around the world
Zarina Hashmi, carving displacement into woodblocks, she wasn’t being “decorative.”
Etel Adnan, painting voice to identity, from Lebanon to the west
And here are a few more from the Brave Sis archives:
Elsie Comanche Allen (1899–1990): Revived and shared Pomo basketry traditions, becoming a cultural preservationist and advocate for Native youth.
Octavia Victoria Rogers Albert (1853–1889): Chronicled stories of formerly enslaved people, turning oral history into abolitionist activism through literature.
Octavia Butler (1947–2006): Revolutionized science fiction by centering Black feminist futures and unapologetic social critique.
Tina Allen (1949–2008): Sculptor renowned for monuments celebrating prominent African Americans, making history visible through public art.
Elizabeth Catlett (1915–2012): American-born Mexican sculptor and graphic artist, best known for powerful depictions of Black women’s resilience and experience.
Fabiola Cabeza de Baca Gilbert (1894–1991): Educator, activist, and writer who preserved Pueblo culinary traditions and became the first published author of a New Mexican cookbook.
Pablita Velarde (1918–2006): Groundbreaking Pueblo painter who authentically depicted Native life, becoming one of the first female Native artists recognized beyond her community.
Creativity is resistance. Heritage is Power.
Who are you celebrating? How do they inspire you?
#ArtAsActivism
