Born 1918 in Chicago, Illinois, White studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Art Students League of New York, and the Taller de Grafica Popular in Mexico. His works are in major museums and private collections nationally and internationally. In 1972, Charles White was honored as the third African American artist elected as a full member of the National Academy of Design. In 2018, Charles White: A Retrospective, celebrated the career of this influential American artist.

“I am extremely pleased to receive this funding from the 2021 Cultural Heritage Action Fund,” said Dr. Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, Director of Hampton University Museum and Archives. “First of all the importance of African American landmarks are receiving the support and recognition long overlooked and secondly, this helps us to gain traction on our goal to protect the mural by creating a museum-like approach. I am willing to continue to work towards gaining financial support for the preservation of this important commentary on American history.”

As a 40 Action Fund grantee, the Hampton University Museum is recognized as a steward of an irreplaceable collection of places important in Black culture and American history. The Action Fund is the largest preservation effort ever undertaken to support the longevity of African American historic sites. This year’s grants will help preserve and restore 40 important Black landmarks around the country.

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, MacKenzie Scott, and other funders allowed The Action Fund to double their grant-making efforts this year. Since July 2018, The Action Fund has invested $7.3 million in 105 preservation projects nationwide.