E86: Sketching A Revolution with Emory Douglas

The Institute of Black Imagination.

Today, we embark on a profound journey with the iconic Emory Douglas. As the former Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, Emory's art ignited a revolution. Today, we ask you to reorient your ears… this is history. There’s an old African proverb that states when a person transitions, a library burns to the ground. Well, today’s conversation with Emory Douglass is a living archive revealing itself. It’s what we here at the Institute call Archival Intelligence. Take notes. Research the names. Refer back. Today’s conversation is a retelling of artmaking in revolutionary times, and what it means to create new identities within a community.

Join us in this safe space as Emory candidly shares tales of rebellion, societal exchanges, and the intricate web of connections in his formative years. This episode is not just an interview; it's a voyage through the corridors of time, shedding light on the profound interplay of art, activism, and the Black experience. And to hear another side of this story, be sure to check out episode 26 with Elaine Browne, the only woman to serve as Chair of the Black Panther party.

Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. Visit our YouTube channel, 'The Institute of Black Imagination,' and explore more content on blackimagination.com.

And now, join us as Emory Douglas navigates through the intersections of art, activism, and the enduring quest for justice.

Key Links

The Black Panther Party- African American revolutionary party

Bobby Seale - African American political activist and co-founder and national chairman of the Black Panther Party.

Huey P. Newton- African American revolutionary and political activist and co-founder of ‘The Black Panther Party

Zapatista National Liberation Army - A group of mostly indigenous activists from the southern Mexican state of Chiapas

The Black Arts Movement (1965-1975) - Black nationalism movement that focused on music, literature, drama, and the visual arts made up of Black artists and intellectuals.

Eldridge Cleaver- member of The Black Panther Party, he served as the first Minister of Information.

Dr. Betty Shabazz - an American educator and civil rights activist, wife of Malcolm X

Charles W. White - African American painter, printmaker, and teacher

What to Read

Zapantera Negra: An Artistic Encounter Between Black Panthers and Zapatistas- Emory Douglas

Black Panther: The Revolutionary Art of Emory Douglas - George Alexander

Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton - Bobby Seale

What to listen to

IBI Episode 26 w/ Sis. Elaine Brown

Say it Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud - James Brown

Am I Black Enough for You- Billy Paul

Ghetto Child - The Spinners

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Gil Scott-Heron

Who to follow

W: MoMA.org

TW: Emory Douglas Art (@emorydouglasart)

This conversation was recorded on October 17, 2023.

Host Dario Calmese

Producer: K.T. Thompson

Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen

Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia

Production Asst: Noa Lesche

Original Music composed by Adam Radice

Sound Engineer: Adam Radice

Visit us at blackimagination.com

Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.