Cheryl Parkinson’s Vision: The Genesis of Black Girl Rising
The story of Cheryl Parkinson and her groundbreaking initiative, Black Girl Rising, is more than just an artistic effort. it’s a testament to the power of vision, community, and focused action. Launched in the early 2010s, Black Girl Rising emerged from Parkinson’s deep understanding of the challenges faced by Black women in the art world. It wasn’t merely about showcasing talent but about cultivating a supportive ecosystem where emerging artists could thrive. The initiative quickly gained traction, offering a platform that amplified voices and visions previously on the periphery of mainstream recognition.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Black Girl Rising functions as a vital incubator, providing not only exhibition space but also Key mentorship and business development resources. This complete approach aims to equip artists with the skills needed to sustain their careers long-term. According to a 2022 report by the Americans for the Arts, mentorship programs have a significant positive impact on artist career longevity and economic stability.
What Exactly Is Black Girl Rising?
Black Girl Rising is a complex arts initiative founded by artist and curator Cheryl Parkinson. Its core mission is to build the development and visibility of Black female artists through exhibitions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The program addresses systemic barriers by providing direct support, resources, and a curated platform to showcase their work to a wider audience, thereby challenging existing art world narratives.
The Pillars of Support: How Black Girl Rising Empowers Artists
Cheryl Parkinson Black Girl Rising is built upon several key pillars designed to offer complete support to its participating artists. These aren’t just abstract concepts. they translate into tangible benefits that shape careers.
Curated Exhibitions and Exposure
One of the most significant contributions of Black Girl Rising is its commitment to providing high-quality exhibition opportunities. Unlike open calls that can be overwhelming, Parkinson and her team meticulously curate each exhibition. This ensures that the featured artists are presented in a professional context, often in established galleries or cultural institutions. For instance, an exhibition in 2018 at the Brooklyn Museum, though not exclusively a Black Girl Rising event, showcased several artists who had previously benefited from the initiative’s platform, highlighting its effectiveness in bridging the gap between emerging talent and institutional recognition.
Mentorship and Skill Development
Beyond just displaying art, Black Girl Rising emphasizes the growth of the artist as a professional. The initiative connects emerging artists with established figures in the art world—curators, gallerists, collectors, and seasoned artists—for one-on-one mentorship. These relationships offer invaluable guidance on everything from artistic technique to business side of art. Workshops often cover essential skills such as grant writing, portfolio development, and understanding contracts, areas where many artists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, may lack formal training. According to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), professional development workshops are critical for artist sustainability.
Community Building and Networking
The art world can often feel isolating. Black Girl Rising actively combats this by building a strong sense of community among its participants. Regular networking events, artist talks, and collaborative projects create a supportive peer network. This interconnectedness allows artists to share experiences, offer mutual encouragement, and even collaborate on future projects. This sense of belonging is Key for mental well-being and artistic resilience. The initiative understands that collective strength can amplify individual voices.
Case Studies: Real Impact of Cheryl Parkinson Black Girl Rising
The true measure of any initiative lies in the success stories of those it aims to serve. Black Girl Rising boasts a growing number of alumni who have gone on to achieve significant milestones in their careers.
Artist Spotlight: Anya Peterson
Anya Peterson, a mixed-media artist whose work explores themes of Black identity and ancestral memory, participated in a Black Girl Rising exhibition in 2019. Before the program, Peterson struggled to gain gallery representation. Through the mentorship provided by Black Girl Rising, she refined her artist statement and portfolio. She also connected with a gallerist who was impressed by her unique vision and the professional presentation facilitated by the initiative. Peterson has since had solo exhibitions in New York and Los Angeles, and her work is now held in several private collections.
Entrepreneurial Success: ‘The Art Collective’
Another success story is the formation of ‘The Art Collective,’ a cooperative gallery founded by three Black women who met through Black Girl Rising. Initially struggling with the financial burden and operational challenges of running a gallery individually, they pooled their resources and expertise. This collective, supported by advice from Cheryl Parkinson on business planning, opened its doors in Atlanta in 2020. It has become a vital hub for contemporary Black art, showcasing not only its founders but also providing a platform for dozens of other emerging artists. Their annual sales have seen a consistent increase, reaching over $200,000 in 2023, as reported by the collective’s financial statements.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Artists Inspired by Black Girl Rising
The principles and practices championed by Cheryl Parkinson Black Girl Rising offer valuable lessons for any artist, especially those from underrepresented communities, looking to build a sustainable career. Here are some actionable takeaways:
1. Cultivate Your Unique Voice
Black Girl Rising champions authenticity. Don’t try to fit a mold that isn’t yours. Identify what makes your perspective unique—your experiences, your heritage, your worldview—and let that infuse your art. This distinctiveness is your greatest asset. Authenticity resonates deeply with audiences and collectors.
2. Seek and Build Your Support Network
Actively look for mentors, peers, and advisors who understand your journey or can offer valuable insights. Attend art events, join online communities, and don’t be afraid to reach out. Building genuine connections is really important. Consider joining organizations like Black Art Catalyst — which provides resources and community for Black artists.
3. Master the Business of Art
Artistry is only half the battle. Educate yourself on the business aspects: pricing your work, writing proposals, understanding contracts, marketing yourself, and financial management. Many universities now offer continuing education courses in arts administration or creative entrepreneurship. Resources from the Small Business Administration (SBA) can also be incredibly helpful for understanding business fundamentals.
4. Document Your Progress Meticulously
Keep detailed records of your artwork (high-quality photographs, dimensions, materials, creation dates), exhibition history, sales, and any press mentions. This documentation is essential for your portfolio, grant applications, and potential future retrospectives. A well-organized digital archive is indispensable.
5. Be Persistent and Resilient
The path of an artist is rarely linear. There will be rejections and setbacks. View them not as failures, but as learning opportunities. The resilience builded within supportive communities like Black Girl Rising is key to long-term success. Keep creating, keep learning, and keep putting your work out there.
The Enduring Legacy of Cheryl Parkinson
Cheryl Parkinson’s Black Girl Rising initiative is more than a program. it’s a movement. It has changed the trajectory for numerous Black women artists, providing them with the tools, confidence, and exposure needed to not just survive, but thrive in the competitive art world. The emphasis on complete development—artistic, professional, and personal—sets it apart. As Parkinson herself has stated, the goal is to create lasting change, ensuring that Black women’s contributions to art aren’t just recognized but celebrated and integrated into the very fabric of art history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cheryl Parkinson start Black Girl Rising?
Cheryl Parkinson founded Black Girl Rising out of a personal understanding of the specific challenges Black women artists face in gaining visibility and support within the broader art industry. She saw a need for a dedicated platform that offered more than just exhibition space, focusing on complete artist development.
What kind of artists does Black Girl Rising typically support?
The initiative primarily supports emerging and mid-career Black women artists working across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, and mixed media. The focus is on artists with unique voices and a commitment to their craft.
Are there opportunities for artists outside of the United States?
While the initiative has strong roots and often focuses on artists within the US, its impact and network are growing. Parkinson has expressed a long-term vision for broader international engagement, but current opportunities are US-based.
what’s the selection process for exhibiting with Black Girl Rising?
Selection is typically based on a combination of artistic merit, the uniqueness of the artist’s vision, and alignment with the initiative’s mission. While direct participation might be curated, the initiative also facilitates connections and provides resources for a wider community.
How can I support Black Girl Rising or artists involved?
You can support Black Girl Rising by attending their exhibitions, purchasing artwork directly from featured artists, donating to the organization (if applicable), and sharing their work and mission within your own networks. Following them on social media also helps increase visibility.
Conclusion: Carry Forward the Spirit of Black Girl Rising
The work leaded by Cheryl Parkinson through Black Girl Rising is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when intention meets action. It provides a Key blueprint for building talent and ensuring diverse voices aren’t just heard, but amplified. For aspiring artists, the initiative serves as both an inspiration and a practical model. By focusing on authenticity, community, professional development, and resilience, artists can begin to carve out their own paths to success, carrying forward the spirit of Black Girl Rising into their own creative journeys.
