A Sin of Omission

As a practicing Black American graphic designer, I have always felt uncomfortable, as if I never fit in. While attending a design conference, I observed the absence of design professionals that looked like me. After initial research, I hypothesized this was attributed to the omission of Black American designers canonized in design history. My lack of belonging created an urgency to research Black American designers who contributed to the profession.

My journey put me on the path of searching for the Black American diaspora missing from the history of Graphic Design. I want to open a dialogue for designers, especially Black American designers. My goal is to share the knowledge and respect I have gained from uncovering these inspiring designers. I want to challenge the existing notion and amend the current Design History canon. My research has fulfilled my sense of belonging. I hope it will do the same for other designers of color.

I hope this presentation provides my audience with a sense of enlightenment regarding the plethora of Black American designers who have contributed to the field of Graphic Design, yet have been omitted from Design History. This presentation will highlight the similarities between the work of some Black American designers and the Euro-American designers of the same era. I want my audience to question, “Why hasn’t my educational experience included the contributions of these designers and their works?” In conclusion, I hope to instill the desire to learn more about those omitted from Design History.