The LSU Museum of Art hosts a monthly event every first Sunday called Free First Sunday and this month’s event kicked off the first day of Black History Month by spotlighting three local Black artists. 

The LSU Museum of Art program manager, Quon Smith, felt that it was important to have a Black History event that got the community involved without being performative.

“I think the main things that have been able to stay resilient is our ability to connect and stay connected.” Smith said.

One artist at the exhibit, Chasity Joseph, loves to tell stories through her art. She loves color and bold prints and uses her art as a form of self-expression. Her art varies from paintings, crocheted yarn pieces and ceramics.

“For me, I like to communicate people that aren’t made known by others, my experiences and the impacts that these people have had on me.” Joseph said.

One of Joseph’s pieces was a painting of Gladys West, a Black mathematician that is best known for her contribution to the development of GPS. West passed away at age 95 back in January.

Joseph decided to honor her through bright colors because she mentioned that oftentimes historical figures are often shown in black and white which makes it seem like a long time ago. It was important to her that West was displayed in color to emphasize the impact that West had on the community.

“I think black history a lot of the time we think of significant people, but not necessarily the everyday person but every day people make history too” Joseph said.

For the LSU Museum of Art, painting out the accomplishments of underrepresented people within the community is an essential part of Black History Month