Unladylike2020: Unsung Women Who Changed America Season 1 Episode 7 Meta Warrick Fuller: Trailblazing Sculptor and Poet & First African American Woman Recipient of Federal Art Commission

Meta Warrick Fuller: Trailblazing Sculptor and Poet & First African American Woman Recipient of Federal Art Commission follows the life and work of Meta Warrick Fuller, an African American sculptor and poet who made history as the first woman of color to receive a federal art commission. Born in Philadelphia in 1877, Fuller began sculpting at a young age and went on to study at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art.

Throughout her career, Fuller faced tremendous discrimination and obstacles due to her race and gender. Nevertheless, she continued to create powerful and innovative works of art that explored the African American experience and celebrated black identity. Fuller's sculptures and poems often depicted strong, resilient black women, and she was known for her ability to capture the beauty and complexity of her subjects through her art.

In this episode, viewers will learn about some of Fuller's most famous pieces, including "Ethiopia Awakening" and "The Wretched," and see how she used her art to challenge prevailing societal norms and attitudes. They will also discover how Fuller's activism and advocacy work influenced her artistic practice, leading her to create pieces that spoke to the struggles and injustices faced by women and people of color.

Featuring interviews with art historians, curators, and scholars, Meta Warrick Fuller: Trailblazing Sculptor and Poet & First African American Woman Recipient of Federal Art Commission offers a fascinating and in-depth look at the life and legacy of one of America's most important and influential artists. Through her art and her activism, Fuller paved the way for future generations of women and people of color to pursue careers in the arts, and her influence continues to be felt today.