It’s a popular belief that slavery, migration and destruction has caused a scattering of the things that our ancestors once held so precious. Because of these very things, many Black Americans have no idea of their history and culture. That’s why people like Shantrelle P. Lewis are relevant and heaven sent. Raised in New Orleans, Ms. Lewis has demonstrated a commitment to researching, documenting and preserving the African Diaspora’s culture. A graduate of Howard University, Shantrelle chose to take her love of her culture and earn her Master’s degree from Temple University’s Department of African American Studies.The granddaughter of New Orleans artist, Charles Lewis and a fourth generation graduate of HBCUs, Ms. Lewis was introduced to the performing and cultural arts of African-Americans by her parents who are collectors themselves. Ms. Lewis’ international travels to places such as Cuba, Ghana, Nigeria, Brazil, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Spain and London have allowed her to observe the manifestation of the African aesthetic firsthand.

Photographer: Delphine Fawundu Buford

This generation can credit Ms. Lewis with exhibitions on a variety of topics that help us to preserve and pay homage to those people and things that matter most but are often forgotten. She has curated exhibitions ranging from contemporary Haitian art, a tribute to Betty Davis, the Haitian Revolution, The Feminine in African Sacred Traditions and New Orleans sacred traditions. Her recent shows included Life After Death: Exhibit About Fela Kuti and The Dandy Lion Exhibit in Harlem. Shantrelle is producing her first documentary The Wild Magnolia, as part of an oral history project of the Magnolia Projects in New Orleans, of which she is the Project Director. The Harmony Oaks Oral History Project will also include a book of photography to be released and a permanent exhibit located at the site’s community center.

Taking young artists and curating independent exhibits is what separates Shantrelle from some of her cultural contemporaries. The ability to take  today’s historians and provide them with a platform to showcase history-infused art is not only amazing, but necessary. Today’s youth can relate most to what they know best and understand. Because of the copious amounts of stimuli they receive on a daily basis, young, fresh, and new inventive ways to showcase history are imperative. Shantrelle Lewis has found a way to give us this.

Kia Chenelle