As graphic designers we are in the unique position to create, influence, interpret and preserve culture. The visual materials we produce, both printed and electronic are records of our times. The western-based cultural tradition of writing dates back thousands of years. This history, stored on paper, tablets or scrolls is, for the most part, safe and stored in museums and archives.

Before the written tradition, however, was the oral tradition — the practice of spreading a people’s history and ideals through the spoken word, many times in the form of fables. This project seeks to modernize and archive the African oral storytelling tradition using computer-based motion graphics and interactivity. Using MacroMedia Flash MX (an authoring and animation software) the project merges the spoken word with interactive and kinetic graphics, music and sound…
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Black United Students (BUS) was founded 40 years ago this year, on the campus of Kent State University. The organization has gone through many changes over time. But, much remains the same.

Dr. Larry Simpson, the first president of BUS, returned to the campus November 8, 2008 for a celebration of the past 40 years.  He’s now the Senior Vice President of Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, in charge of academic affairs. Over the years his experience with BUS has served him well. As he stated in his keynote address the other night. Being involved in BUS gave him a window into the adult world that he may not have experienced had it not been for BUS. Mostly, it was about learning how to work with other people and function as a member of society. (more…)

It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally ready for prime time. “Blakfacts Volume 1” is a compendium of notable facts in the history of the African diaspora. You’ll encounter heroes and sheroes; warriors and peacemakers; presidents and popes. In fact there’s no telling what kind of folks you’ll encounter.

This book is for young and old! You’ll learn about things your teacher never told you in school. They say, “those who do not know their history are destined to repeat it!” This fully illustrated volume is the first in a series of books which will broaden the horizons of its readers. If you thought you knew something about African American history, think again. (more…)

Another long campaign comes to an end. We now know what we may have been unsure of yesterday. The most powerful man in the world is a Black man! The Obamas will soon be occupying the White House, not as a butler and maid, but as the residents of the house.

This is a significant occurrence in American history, but not like some of us may think. “Race” has been a significant issue during this run for the White House. However, this is not the first time an African American has occupied the White House!! According to J.A. Rogers, their have been 4-5 African American presidents already! Now, just in case you missed this lesson during American history class I’ll give you a quick recap.

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Congratulations to Barack Obama and Obamaholics across the nation.

During the last months this site, focused on African American culture, has had a steady dose of Obama related content. That is fitting, considering an Obama presidency’s impact on Black America. We look forward, though, to getting back to highlighting cultural artifacts of interest the the black community. Hence this post.

The idea of a black president is one that has generated much speculation in our community. In film, music, and literature the notion has been kicked around sometimes as an impossible farce and sometimes as a radical, revolutionary challenge. Off the top of my head, a couple of popular tunes come to mind when thinking of a black president. I thought I’d present them here just for kicks since, after today, we can never listen to these songs in the same way. I’m hoping to hear one or more of these cuts at the inaugural.

fyi: hit the little speaker icon next to the name to play the track without leaving the page.

Funky President (People it’s Bad) James Brown-1974

One Nation Under a Groove Funkadelic-1978

Paint the White House Black George Clinton-1993