Samella Lewis

About the Author

Samella Lewis is a pioneering scholar, artist, and historian whose groundbreaking work has illuminated the rich tapestry of African American art and culture. Born in New Orleans and educated at institutions including Spelman College and Ohio State University, she earned a PhD in art history and became one of the first Black women to achieve this milestone in her field. As a professor emerita at Scripps College, Lewis founded the first African American studies program on a predominantly white campus and dedicated her career to amplifying marginalized voices through scholarship and curation. Her seminal book, Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power, explores the vibrant artistic movements of the 1960s and 1970s, capturing the essence of Black empowerment and creativity. A prolific painter and printmaker herself, Lewis's legacy endures as a beacon for cultural preservation and artistic innovation.