Black Art in America began as both a calling and a concept. Founded in 2010 by artist and curator Najee Dorsey, it has grown into a Black artist collective that champions Black artists through exhibitions, print fairs, and partnerships rooted in community, inspiring shared purpose and pride.
Dorsey’s work is personal because he is an artist himself. Early on, he saw how rarely Black artists received consistent, high-caliber opportunities to be exhibited, supported, and collected at the level their work deserved. Instead of waiting for space to appear, he created it and brought the community with him.
Dorsey articulates the purpose with clarity.
“Black Art in America is bigger than selling and showing art,” he says. “It is about celebrating Blackness, educating the next generation, and building relationships that keep our culture visible.” That belief guides each exhibition, fair, and collaboration, with artists and audiences treated as partners in the same story.
What sets Dorsey apart is his ongoing support that provides artists with continuous opportunities. His curated exposure, collector education, and repeated engagements help artists reach new audiences and build lasting careers, showcasing the organization’s dedication to long-term impact.
At the center is intentional curation. Black Art in America presents artists across generations, pairing established names with rising voices and fresh perspectives, creating an atmosphere that feels elevated and welcoming. Printmaking is a signature entry point, offering limited-edition works on paper that invite first time collectors while honoring the depth and discipline of the medium. Collectors leave with more than purchases; they go with context, pride, and connection.
Access remains essential. Dorsey aims for everyone to live with art that reflects their identity. Through prints and works on paper, Black Art in America creates a clear path for everyday collectors to bring meaningful images home and see themselves in what adorns their walls, empowering personal connection and pride.
Education is woven into the work. Dorsey points to a semester-long exhibition at Columbus State University and opportunities to share pieces with Clark Atlanta University and other HBCUs, bringing Black visual art into learning spaces where students can engage with it up close as something to study, support, and carry forward.
Partnerships extend the reach. Dorsey highlights relationships with The Coca-Cola Company, showing how visibility expands when art moves through corporate and civic spaces, widening the collector base beyond traditional circles.
The collective’s presence continues to expand through art fairs and cultural experiences across Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas, and Washington, DC. The cities may change, but the purpose stays consistent: cultivate community, elevate Black artists, and invest in Black visual arts culture.
Black Art in America is more than an art experience. It is Najee Dorsey’s legacy and proof that when Black artists are supported with intention, the community not only admires their art but also supports them. It invests in it, expanding access through collecting, philanthropy, and partnerships that bring Black visual art into homes, college campuses, and curated cultural spaces.
"Black Art in America is bigger than selling and showing art,” he says. “It is about celebrating Blackness, educating the next generation, and building relationships that keep our culture visible."