2025 is off to a very challenging start. Emboldened by the results of the 2024 presidential election, the forces of intolerance are on the rise. Openly racist sentiments are finding their way into social media and the public realm and face relatively ineffectual condemnation.
Souls Grown Deep was founded 15 years ago, and throughout that time its staff and board have endeavored to give Black artists of the American South their deserved places in our national story. We remain unflinching in our resolve to combat prejudice tied to race, class, and geography, and are freshly determined to advocate for the 160 artists represented in our collection.
The art world is widely seen as a place of wealth and privilege. But the artists championed by Souls Grown Deep have only occasionally been afforded an opportunity for their work to be seen, acknowledged, and embraced. By placing over 500 works by 110 artists in over 40 major permanent collections, we have sought to update the American story so that it accurately reflects our nation’s history.
Souls Grown Deep is shouldering a complementary task: improving the living and working conditions of the communities that gave rise to these artists. We do so through grants, access to opportunities for earning, support of cultural tourism in the Black Belt, and promoting investment in small businesses in the region.
In the face of the new administration’s attacks on efforts to promote racial equality, Souls Grown Deep stands resolutely on the side of those deprived of a place at the table.
Your gift of any size is more vital now than ever and will help us advance the interests and needs of Black creatives and their communities simply striving for a fair shake.
Please give generously and make your donation here.
Lola C. West
Board Chair
