Elizabeth Catlett, a renowned artist and educator, dedicated her life to using art as a means of empowerment and expression for marginalized communities. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1915, Catlett's work spanned over six decades, during which she created impactful sculptures and prints that reflected her experiences as an African American woman, mother, and emigre living in Mexico.

Catlett's artistic journey began with a Master of Fine Arts degree, where she was encouraged by her instructor, Grant Wood, to create art that resonated with her personal truths. This guidance led her to produce works that not only celebrated black womanhood but also addressed the struggles and achievements of black women throughout history. Her series, "The Black Woman," features powerful depictions of matriarchal figures such as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Phyllis Wheatley, inviting viewers to engage with the narratives of these influential women.

One of her notable works, "Mother and Child," reinterprets the traditional Madonna and child imagery through a black lens, showcasing the profound bond of maternal love. Catlett employed a pre-Hispanic sculpting technique learned from Francisco Zuniga, using coils of terracotta to create this intimate piece. Through her art, she became one of the first African American artists to consistently visualize black motherhood.

Despite living in Mexico, Catlett remained deeply connected to the civil rights movement in the United States. Her artwork, such as "Malcolm X Speaks for Us," expressed solidarity with those fighting for equality. However, her political activism led to her being labeled an "undesirable alien," resulting in a decade-long ban from her home country. It wasn't until 2002 that her U.S. citizenship was reinstated.

Catlett's legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to her identity and her belief in the power of art to inspire change. She continued to create until her peaceful passing in her studio home in Cuernavaca on April 2, 2012, at the age of 96. Her wish for greater representation of black women in the art scene remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for visibility and recognition in the arts.