I met Mr. Bearden on a couple of occasions, once at the Studio Museum. At that time, I photographed him with Norman Lewis and several other artists I cannot recall at this moment unless I fetch the film. Romare was familiar with some of my art as we exchanged pleasantries. I unquestionably was aware of his. 

We had several life experiences in common. In conjunction with this exhibition is our love of the American Music commonly called "Jazz." Many of my works take their titles from compositions and artists/musicians whose music has inspired me. 

I have been fortunate to have photographed many of the leading players in the forefront of the music. One of the series I completed on Charles Mingus is in the collection of the Studio Museum, also a mixed media work on paper, titled Self Portrait in Three Colors. 

The Modern Jazz Quartet has had a major creative impact on my love and collecting of this influential American art form. As they travelled the globe, the MJQ were called the "Ambassadors of the Music." There were certainly others. Especially the great Louis Armstrong. Some chose to reside in countries where they felt their treatment was far more respectful than what they experienced in their birth country. Mingus, Miles and many others spoke directly about the bigotry of their native land. I'm glad many of them chose to make their objections heard on the bandstand and in their music. 

Thank you, all. They were Ambassadors, like the Modern Jazz Quartet, at home and abroad.