The Malcolm X Legacy : Showcasing Artist Paul Goodnight

429 Melnea Cass Boulevard,Boston MA 02119

21 May, 2021

Description

A celebration of the life of human rights activist Malcolm X, and the works of world renowned artist Paul Goodnight. As a ‘Native Son’ of Boston, Goodnight has spent his career as a consummate draftsman, aiming to express culture through both the abstract and the real. Here, the Malcolm X Ella Collins House MXECH finds its champion artist whose dedication to telling the story of African American history aligns with their mission. About the Malcolm X Ella Collins House Located at 72 Dale Street in Roxbury, the only standing home of Malcolm X — serving him from 1941 to 1958— is a heritage site for information and education on the legacy of Malcolm X, and the continued struggle for human rights. The Malcolm X Ella Collins House is operated by the relatives of Malcolm X and is collaborating with state and global organizations to amplify the impact of his legacy worldwide. About Paul Goodnight Artist Paul Goodnight was born in Chicago on December 31, 1946. At a young age, his mother took him to New London, Connecticut, and later to Boston, where a foster family raised him. After finishing high school, Mr. Goodnight was drafted into the Army, and served two years in Vietnam. The experience changed him and upon his return, he was unable to speak because of the horrors he witnessed there. Soon after, Mr. Goodnight began to paint, reverting to the means of expression he had employed as a child. Finding release in his art, Mr. Goodnight regained his voice and enrolled in the Vesper George School of Art, taking English classes at a nearby community college to help him along the way. In 1976, he earned his B.A. from the Massachusetts College of Art. Mr. Goodnight continued to create, and in 1984 one of his works was displayed on an episode of The Cosby Show. Since then, his works have been featured in such programs as Seinfeld, ER and Living Single. Mr. Goodnight then began traveling the world, studying the art of the Caribbean, Africa, Russia and Asia, as well as working under contemporary masters such as Alan Crite and John Biggers. Mr. Goodnight's biggest inspiration is his daughter, Aziza. In 1991, Mr. Goodnight founded Color Circle Art Publishing, which is dedicated to the perpetuation of the art and imagery of the African diaspora. His works adorn the homes of such notables as Maya Angelou, Wesley Snipes and Samuel L. Jackson, as well as the halls of the Smithsonian Institute. In 1996, Mr. Goodnight was commissioned to create a piece for the 1996 Olympic Games, and in 1998, he designed the World Cup poster. He was awarded the U.S. Sports Academy Artist of the Year Award in 1997.