Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) was an African-American painter whose works depict his passionate concern for the plight of his people.

Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 7, 1917, Jacob Lawrence was reared in Harlem in New York City, which provided the background for many of his works. He studied at the Uptopia Neighborhood House, attended a special class at the West 135th Street Library, and later studied at the Harlem Workshop.

During the Depression, Lawrence was accepted on a Federal Arts Project (WPA). He credited this valuable opportunity to the influence of the African-American sculptor Augusta Savage. During this period, he met many artists of varying backgrounds who offered him vital encouragement. Several years later, he received the prestigious Rosenwald grant-in-aid, which made it possible for him to acquire his first studio. With his colleagues--Romare Bearden, the painter, and writers William Attaway and Claude McKay--Lawrence established his studio in...