Celebrating Black Art and Artists

By Ebony Venson

Throughout February, WTS International celebrated Black History Month by observing the theme “African Americans in the Arts.” In honor of this year's theme, we asked the WTS community to spend time connecting with the work of a Black artist in their community and reflect on the impact of Black artists and their influence on the transportation industry and its future.

Creativity and art enhance transportation by transforming public spaces, improving transit experiences, and building culture, which strengthens community well-being and economic development. Artists play a unique role in transportation projects by generating creative solutions to transportation challenges, fostering local ownership, and healing wounds and divisions created by urban highways and other disruptive transportation infrastructure. Arts and artists also help advance the work of departments of transportation (DOTs) and agencies by organizing advocates and using creative approaches to rethink traditional community planning and engagement strategies.

Black artists have long impacted transportation and city planning, particularly in influencing settlements and cultural development in cities across the United States. Black visual artists and performers have been instrumental in developing cultural districts in cities like Memphis, Tennessee, and Harlem, New York; and use iconic structures like “Shotgun” homes in New Orleans, Louisiana, to demonstrate placemaking in architecture.

Black artists also play an essential role in highlighting cherished stories in communities like Crenshaw, California, currently using stories to connect transit access and encourage place keeping. Additionally, Black authors significantly impact the transportation industry by documenting histories and writing about strategies to improve transportation access and equity throughout the country, particularly in black communities.

While February is always a great time to recognize and honor Black history, the work and lives of Black artists and creatives should be remembered and celebrated year-round. Throughout the year, we encourage WTS members and friends to continue connecting with Black art and artists and explore opportunities to partner with the creative community in your transportation work.

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Are you interested in learning more about the role of artists in transportation and community building? Join us on March 21st at 1 PM ET for the return of the WTS Distinguished Speaker Series, which will feature Smart Growth America’s Arts & Culture Director, Marian Liou to discuss the power of arts in helping create vibrant and equitable communities. Registration is complimentary for members!

Ebony Venson is the Manager of Communications and Programs for WTS International.