From Contemplation to Pride

In 2009, Carolyn Elaine created this three-panel tile mosaic on the side of Reavis Elementary School. Students from Reavis helped Elaine in researching influential African American women who were important to the community of Bronzeville. In total 19 portraits were photo-transferred to tile and incorporated into the mosaic. The center panel depicts a large portrait of Dr. Margaret Burroughs. For Elaine, “These women were not only trailblazers in the civil rights movement; they also opened doors in the areas of journalism, theater, gospel music, and fashion. These are historical women whose shoulders were broad enough for Dr. Burroughs and others to stand on as they journeyed to make art, history and literature on the Black experience accessible to the community.”