Harmony in Motion

As I reflect on my uncle Tyrone Scott’s remarkable artwork, the canvas that graces my home holds more than the colorful strokes of Sharpies. It encapsulates my uncle's legacy, my current mission, and a profound connection to my family and community history.

In a multipurpose room filled with art, whiskey and books, where the sun’s rays suffuse the walls at dawn, hangs a piece of art that defies time. “Harmony in Motion,” painted by my late uncle Tyrone Scott, is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the indelible mark an artist leaves on the world.

The Dance of Colors:

I found this work of art among a vast collection in his daughter's basement. It was on a wide sheet of paper, not a canvas, "painted" with markers. To say the art was understated would be an understatement, but the vibrant hues—reds, blues, and yellows—seemed to pulse with life. Each figure, rendered in bold strokes, danced across the page. Their movements were fluid, as if choreographed by unseen hands. My uncle had captured the essence of movement—the very heartbeat of existence.

The figures, silhouettes against a white backdrop, hold hands. Their unity transcends physical touch; it speaks of shared dreams, struggles, and triumphs. As an educational scholar, I strive to champion the idea that every voice matters, that every shade of experience enrich our collective narrative. In “Harmony in Motion,” my uncle has woven together a tapestry of humanity - a celebration of our differences and our shared journey.

Framing the Legacy:

Uncle Tyrone’s departure from this world, more than two decades ago, lend deeper meaning to this artwork. I knew his art could help to fill the void that his death opened, so I prepared it for my collection. I took a picture of it and used digital photo editing to mirror the original, creating a symmetrical reflection. It was as if I was working on a collaborative project with Uncle Tyrone’s spirit - two generations working together to illustrate the beauty in balance.”

The final touch was the frame - a dark mahogany border with intricate carvings. It cradled the mirrored masterpiece, anchoring it to my reality. As an educational scholar, I understood the significance of framing. Education itself is a frame - a structure that holds knowledge, experiences, and aspirations. And within that frame, Uncle Tyrone’s art found its place.

Reflecting on the Reflection:

When I look at “Harmony in Motion,” I see more than colors and shapes. I see the resilience of communities, the rhythm of progress, and the urgency of equity. My uncle’s art reminds me that education is not static; it is a dance—a perpetual motion toward enlightenment. As educators, we must advocate for every student. And the best advocates don't see learners as others, they see them as mirrors - mirrors of their past and looking glasses of their futures.

Educators also must be frames. Frames don't try to change the art. Frames complement art. Frames expand the depth of art. Frames deepen the perspective of art. Frames make art more suitable to thrive in diverse spaces. And like this frame, it takes understated masterpieces from basements, and helps them to thrive in the company of legends.

In this audacious room, where the sun’s rays add texture to paintings and prints, Uncle Tyrone’s legacy lives on. “Harmony in Motion” whispers: Educate, elevate, and embrace the symphony of life.

If you are interested in "Harmony in Motion for your collection, please send me a direct message.

Dr. Ivory A. Toldson is a renowned research scholar and educator, currently serving as Chief of Research for Concentric Educational Solutions, professor of counseling psychology at Howard University, and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Negro Education. His expertise in educational equity is demonstrated through his consulting work with major school districts and his leadership as principal investigator on multiple NSF and NASA grants focused on inclusive STEM education. Dr. Toldson is a prolific author of 4 books and over 100 scholarly works, a frequent media commentator on outlets like MSNBC and NPR, and an advocate for educational opportunity as the NAACP's former national director of Education Innovation and Research.

Dr. Toldson is an avid art collector/influencer, and the home he shares with his wife, Marshella, and two children in Washington, DC contains more than 100 unique works of art. This summer, look for more of Dr. Toldson reviews of his art collection.