GEORGE MCCALMAN
History is a gift that teaches us where we come from and lets us know where we must go. Artist, author and graphic designer George McCalman has taken this ideology and created a book that reimagines our idea of Black History and presents a vivid array of pioneers in stunning, original artwork that electrifies the soul. McCalman’s talent is undeniably brilliant, evident through the curation of the soulful portraits celebrating Black icons throughout America’s 400-year-old history in Illustrated Black History. The book creates equal space to celebrate legends and discover Black heroes who have gone unseen, featuring trailblazers we recognize and those we should know. Black gay men have always upheld our history with poise, and McCalman is continuing that legacy. —E.F.