"The NAACP (1909-2009): The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas." 

To pay tribute to the centennial of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture at Alabama State University will host an art exhibition titled "The NAACP (1909-2009): The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas."

Beginning Sunday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m., the exhibit will feature images from the National Alliance of Artists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (NAAHBCU), and will be on display through May 11 at the National Center, 1345 Carter Hill Road.

According to Gwen Boyd, staff associate for the National Center, the exhibition of original paintings and sculptures features 24 artists of the NAAHBCU and their interpretations of "The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas" through secondary themes such as voting rights, patriotism, migration and education.

"The exhibit focuses on well-known and little-known civil rights leaders and events in American history," Boyd said. "The NAAHBCU presents a visual history that recognizes and honors the breadth and depth of courage, perseverance and sacrifice endured by generations of African-Americans."

Participating artists, all former or present teachers at historically black colleges and universities, include: Dr. Art Bacon, Talladega, Ala.; William Brooks, Greensboro, N.C.; Ricky Calloway, Warner Robbins, Ga.; Robert Carter, Dix Hills, N.Y.; Dr. William Colvin, Fairfield, Ala.; Willis "Bing" Davis, Dayton, Ohio; Addie Dawson-Euba, Baton Rouge, La.; Louis Delsarte, Atlanta, Ga.; Phillip R. Dotson, Memphis, Tenn.; Dr. Brenda Faison, Greensboro, N.C.; John Feagin, Montgomery, Ala.; James L. Griffin, Stone Mountain, Ga.; Dr. Terry K. Hunter, Orangeburg, S.C.; Ann "Sole Sister" Johnson, Houston, Texas; Ronald B. Kennedy, Baton Rouge, La; Hasaan Kirkland, Charlotte, N.C.; Tracey L. Moore, Houston, Texas; Joseph A. Pearson, Alexandria, La.; Dr. Lee Ransaw, Stone Mountain, Ga.; Dr. Clarence Talley Sr., Prairie View, Texas; Leo Twiggs, Orangeburg, S.C.; Cleve Webber, Montgomery, Ala.; and Dennis Winston, Mechanicsville, Va.

The mission of the NAAHBCU is to bring art and art education to the forefront of member institutions and to keep these programs as institutional priorities for generations to come. The alliance is committed to developing in its members - and especially students - the artistic and life skills needed to function as literate citizens in society.

The NAAHBCU also exists to provide comprehensive activities that offer artistic and expressive opportunities for professional artists employed or formerly employed at member institutions as well as for historians and curators, collectors and friends of the arts. 

The artwork above is title "Nevertheless, America" a mix media work by Dr. Talley