The chapter explores the speaker's journey of facing discouragement and doubt in their pursuit of art, including a pivotal moment where a professor claimed they would never be an artist. Despite initial setbacks and societal myths, the speaker reflects on overcoming challenges to become a successful artist, highlighting the impact of friends' support. They discuss the intersection of objective historical criteria with subjective artistic elements, emphasizing the importance of creating unique art and the evolution of their integrated approach in art and history.
Throughout her prolific writing career, Nell Irvin Painter has published works on such luminaries as Sojourner Truth, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Malcolm X. Her unique vantage on American history pushes the boundaries of personal narrative and academic authorship and asks readers to reconsider ideas of race, politics, and identity. She joins to discuss her legendary career as a distinguished historian, award-winning author, and artist.