A DISTINGUISHED LEGACY: MALCOLM BROWN GALLERY | SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO

September 18, 1980 to March 13, 2011

African American artists and galleries have been instrumental in shaping the evolution of contemporary art, charting new courses, and asserting the significance of their voices within a landscape that often marginalized their contributions. Faced with limited access and opportunities, many artists took it upon themselves to exhibit their own work, laying the groundwork for future generations to challenge conventions, push boundaries, and advocate for representation and recognition alongside their white counterparts.

The Malcolm Brown Gallery was born from this vision, with a mission to introduce, educate, and champion the brilliance of African American and Diaspora artists—past and present.

By 1980, there were only a few Black art dealers in the country dedicated to showcasing African American artists. Against this backdrop, Malcolm and Ernestine Brown courageously opened the Malcolm Brown Gallery on September 18, 1980. Over the next three decades, the gallery became a beacon of cultural restoration, reclaiming forgotten chapters in American art history and fostering a vibrant community of artists, collectors, museums, and organizations.

The gallery showcased a distinguished roster of artists, including Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Hughie Lee-Smith, Charles Salee, Selma Burke, Fred Jones, Faith Ringgold, Ed Dwight, Carolyn Mazloomi, Francisco Mora, Nike Davies-Okundaye, and many others. Through its efforts, the Malcolm Brown Gallery played a vital role in celebrating and elevating the richness of African American art and culture.