Visual Artist Leroy Campbell To Debut ‘Historical Backbone’ at Harlem’s The Sol Studio

Never one to romanticize the relationship between America and the descendants of Africa who continue to occupy the land, celebrated visual artist and Gullah lecturer Leroy Campbell will unveil his latest progeny, “Historical Backbone: The Resilience and Determination of a People.”

The exhibition reception will take place at The Sol Studio, Thursday, May 28, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This event marks Campbell’s return to the birthplace of his creative roots – New York City. “Historical Backbone,” a fusion of art, newspaper clippings and inspirational quotes, is a continuous in-depth discussion regarding how African traditions are interwoven within American society. Through the themes of education, family, politics, relationships and religion, Campbell illustrates two defining contributions by African Americans that inspired America’s pursuit of freedom and global recognition as one unifying nation: resilience and determination. By focusing on the time periods between the 1830s and the 1950s, “Historical Backbone” allows the master craftsman to capture an era when, according to Campbell, African Americans worked together for the greater good of the community.