“Art is not a luxury as many people think – it is a necessity. It documents history – it helps educate people and stores knowledge for generations to come.” – Samella Lewis

Samella Lewis was the first Black woman to earn a doctorate in fine art and art history. She was born in New Orleans and attended Dillard University where she was mentored by artist Elizabeth Catlett and later earned her doctorate from Ohio State University.

In addition to her career as a painter, she eventually went on to become an educator, curator, museum founder, textbook writer, editor, and filmmaker, among many other endeavors. Lewis also played a pivotal role in encouraging Stella Jones to start a gallery in New Orleans devoted to Black artists of the African Diaspora.

View the complete Affirm Black Women portrait series here