My dream is for black history to be taught more balanced. Teach tha injustices endured by blacks. But also teach about tha courageous blacks who worked together to right America’s wrongs. Black History Month should be about showcasing exceptional blacks; inspiring black youths to take personal responsibility and be all they can be. For example,
Mr. Joe Ford
worked at Canale signs as a sign painter. He was also a student at Maryland Institute College of Art. Joe was raised by his grandmother in a rough area of East Baltimore. As a teen, Joe spent a year in jail. Ms. Lindy Jordan, a black teacher at Carver High School mentored and taught Joe his trade of sign painting. Mr. Ford became laser-focused on becoming a professional graphic designer. Mr.Ford worked his way through tha Maryland Institute College of Art paying tha expense tuition, books, and art supplies. He drove a school bus while earning his Master’s Degree. In tha 70s, Joe was not tha most artistically gifted in his small group of black artists. However, He was by far tha most laser-focused on his goal. Mr. Ford may have been tha first black art director at an ad agency in tha country. His story is remarkable and inspiring; from street thug to advertising art director. Mr. Ford simply pursued his dream and would deal with racist opposition when it arrived. Mr. Joe Ford is a black role model. Mr. Ford was a black pioneer in tha field of graphic design/advertising. He was tha first black art director hired at W.B. Doner, a prestigious Baltimore advertising agency.
Happy Black History Month.
