Honoring Black Artists: Exploring Legacy, Identity, and Cultural Impact
As we step into February and celebrate Black History Month, the Oakland Museum of California invites you to explore the powerful stories and contributions of Black artists, activists, and leaders whose work continues to shape the cultural fabric of the Bay Area and beyond. This month, we reflect on the enduring legacy of resilience, creativity, and social change that has been a cornerstone of Black history in California. From the self-representation of artists during the Black Arts Movement to the artifacts that capture pivotal moments in history, each piece tells a story of empowerment, resistance, and transformation.
In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting and inviting visitors to engage with art and objects that speak to the lived experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities. These six works encourage reflection on how this community has not only enriched California’s cultural landscape but has also challenged us to reimagine a more inclusive and just future for all.
1. Phillip Lindsay Mason

Phillip Lindsay Mason, Family Scape, n.d. Acrylic on canvas, 72 x 39.5 in. Collection of the Oakland Museum of California. Museum Donors’ Acquisition Fund. ©
One powerful example of this is the work of Phillip Lindsay Mason, an artist who attended UC Berkeley in the late 1960s, a period when the Black Arts Movement was flourishing. Mason used his art as a platform for self-representation, reflecting his experiences as a Black man and artist. In 1968, he wrote, “My work will be Black because my work springs from the context of my experience,” underscoring the deep connection between his personal journey and his artistic expression. Works like Family Scape exemplify his commitment to exploring Black identity and culture, offering a message of empowerment and resilience. You can view Family Scape in our Gallery of California Art.
2. Matthew J. Lee

Matthew J. Lee, MC Spice and the Young Ladies with Knowledge, 1991, rc paper photograph, The Oakland Tribune Collection, the Oakland Museum of California. Gift of ANG Newspapers.
Captured by Matthew J. Lee in September 1991, this powerful photograph of MC Spice and the Young Ladies with Knowledge embodies the strength of their friendship and collective mission. At a time when hip-hop was shifting, these women used their music to amplify messages of empowerment and solidarity. Their work serves as a reminder of the vital role women have played in shaping hip-hop culture and social movements. By honoring their legacy, we celebrate the creativity and resilience that continue to inspire future generations to come together and create meaningful change.
This is true #SquadGoals—explore more inspiration like this in our online collections portal.
3. William Williams

American LaFrance Fire Engine Co. Nickel plated and painted wood and metal, 1898, Gift of the Oakland Fire Dept.
Oakland’s first African American firefighter, William Williams, drove this steam pumper, a symbol of the courage and dedication of Black pioneers in public service. In 1898, it was cutting-edge technology, helping fight some of the city’s most infamous fires. The pumper crossed the Bay in 1906 to assist with the fires caused by the San Francisco earthquake, further cementing its place in history. Its legacy reflects the bravery and service of Black Californians in moments of crisis. In 1968, the Oakland Fire Department donated this restored pumper to the Oakland Museum, where it now resides in our Gallery of California History.
4. Cat Brooks

Plastic and mixed materials, C. 2010, Courtesy of Cat Brooks, Acquisition funded with gifts by exchange
As we continue to honor the ongoing fight for racial justice, we recognize the work of Cat Brooks, co-founder of the Anti-Police Terror Project (APTP). These objects—a megaphone used in protests and a face mask representing collective action—symbolize Brooks’ tireless advocacy for criminal justice reform and community safety. The megaphone amplifies the voices of those fighting for change, while the face mask represents the need for protection in the face of violence. Brooks’ work embodies the intersection of activism, personal safety, and the enduring struggle for equality. These pieces are part of our new feature, Collecting a Moment, in the Gallery of California Art.
5. Henry C. Rollins



Henry C. Rollins, Anansi, 1969-1974, Painted Steel, Gift of Concours d’Antiques, Art Guild and the National Endowment for the Arts
This outdoor sculpture, Anansi, stands 39 feet tall across from Oak Street, making it the largest object in our collection of over 2 million items. Created by Henry C. Rollins in 1974 for the exhibition Public Sculpture, Urban Environment, it was considered the nation’s largest standing sculpture by a Black artist at the time. With its eight arms and spider-like form, Anansi represents the trickster hero from Ashanti folklore, symbolizing the fluidity and complexity of cultural identity. As one of the nation’s largest sculptures by a Black artist, it challenges us this Black History Month to recognize the profound influence of African traditions on contemporary American art.
6. Captain William T. Shorey

Captain William T. Shorey, known as the “Black Ahab,” made history as the first African American whaling captain on the West Coast. In 1886, he set sail from Oakland, leading a multi-ethnic crew on dangerous expeditions across the Arctic and the South Pacific, including to the Cordell Bank. Shorey’s leadership helped his crew navigate treacherous waters, from an Arctic shipwreck to tropical typhoons. His legacy illuminates the vital but often overlooked contributions of Black sailors in shaping the Pacific region’s economy and culture. Discover more about Shorey and his remarkable story in our Gallery of California Natural Sciences.
Bonus!

🎶Join us Sunday, February 16, at 2 p.m. in the JMT for Spotlight Sundays: Gospel at the Museum. Emceed by DJ Sherita Evans, this event promises an inspiring performance. Created by Dr. Adam “Ology” Rogers, this multimedia experience highlights the deep connection between gospel and African American history.
Featuring some of the most renowned gospel artists, the event takes visitors on a journey through African American narratives, from their national significance to their local roots in the Bay Area. Experience how gospel music has sustained hope, sparked transformation, and bridged generations—beginning with antebellum hymns of resistance, to anthems of the Civil Rights Movement, and the vibrant sounds of modern gospel.
Make it a full experience, start your Sunday with a delicious brunch at Town Fare by Michele McQueen on OMCA’s Mid Level (open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.).





