"What better way is there to preserve the human spirit of a people than through artistic expression? This book celebrates the stories of Black artists who paved the way for people of color in and out of the arts to be their true selves. Read about men and women who have broken barriers in literature and the performing and visual arts including writer Toni Morrison, jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, rapper Common, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, actor Lupia Nyong'o, and many more"--. Provided by publisher.