While developing a new series of paintings this fall, I’ve been reflecting on the profound legacy of Romare Bearden. Last year, I had the honor of masterminding a multi-media exhibition and national symposium to re-introduce this mid-20th century icon to contemporary audiences. The project, a collaboration with The Romare Bearden Foundation and others, explored the critical intersection of art, race, and justice. Now, in our current political climate, Bearden’s work feels not just relevant, but essential. He championed human rights against the tides of his time—a fight that is desperately ours again. This article is a reflection on that project and a call to arms for artists and creatives to use their power to protest, resist, and fight for democracy: read here.