Toured today the offices of one of my clients, who under my recommendation selected Lonnie Powell to create a figurative work for their reception room. Lonnie and I went to measure the wall, take in the space, and trade stories.
He told me what it was like growing up Black in Kansas City in the 40s and 50s, how much better it is now, but of course how much of life remains segregated–I mean socially. Still it’s greatly improved over what it was, though that’s easy for me to say.
Then Lonnie thanked me for “all I’d done for him.” I said, “Man, I ain’t done nothing. You earned all this a long time ago.” Sure I’ve paid my dues (like most of us), but next to Lonnie I’ve had a walk in the park.