In February, Herd Strategies celebrates Black History Month by amplifying Black artists, poets and musicians. We seek to highlight creatives who are voices of the Black community today and share the stories of Black artists in history whose work paved the way for future generations. One person who fully recognizes the impact of Black artists who have come before her is Dana Powell-Smith, an Indianapolis-based abstract artist who honors her family and lineage through her work.

For many things in life, you need to have faith. Put your trust in the bigger picture, in God, in the universe – whatever it is you believe in – so that you can live without being shrouded by fear. But as human beings with complex emotions, sometimes you need more than faith to make something seem feasible. Sometimes, seeing is believing.

As we kick off Black History Month 2023, Herd Strategies will highlight individuals and organizations for their artistic contributions both locally and around the world. But we ask that you remember these artists walk in their truth every day. Their Black is not a toy, and we should celebrate them 365 days of the year – not just in February.