Lawrence D. Jones
Lawrence D. Jones is an author and artist, a native Californian, born and raised in Oakland, and a retired professional athlete. Rise to History is his way of expressing himself to the world around him and the historical events that have shaped his life. As a gifted artist and writer, he is keenly aware of the power that art and literature can have to educate, inspire, and move people. With the goal of exploring both personal and universal stories, he has created and published several works that demonstrate his immense talent and ability.
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He displays a broad range of artistic abilities and ideas. As a contemporary, self-taught artist, he brings a unique perspective to the world of art and literature. While growing up in the 1950’s and the 1960’s Civil Rights era, he was moved by the struggles of his people and inspired by their resilience. As an artist his aim is to highlight these experiences through his work. His broad range of artistic abilities and ideas allows him to put his own spin on anything he works on, providing a fresh perspective to those who consume his art.
About the Artist
As someone who was raised by a single-parent mother and ten siblings, creativity was an essential part of his upbringing. He remembers using materials he found around the house to create his art, from old paper bags to his sister's eyebrow pencils. His love for creating continued to grow, and he eventually pursued his passion for creativity. Today, he is proud to be the creator of Rise to History, a book that offers a unique perspective on African American History. Growing up with limited resources, he had to get creative to bring his ideas to life. As a child, he would spend hours sketching, writing stories, and exploring his imagination. It wasn't until he grew older that he discovered his passion for history and writing.
For too long, the teaching of Black history has been reduced to a footnote in the larger narrative of our past. This author found that in many cases, the history of Black Americans was not taught in our schools in a comprehensive way, leaving students with only a fragment of the broad and rich story to absorb. To address this gap, his response to the need for better education was to create and provide a graphic concept that produces a more factual account. One that present the contributions of African Americans and convey the complexities and nuances of their experiences and achievements that’s identifiable to today’s youth.
The author recognizes there is no single, universal solution to this teaching dilemma. But remain committed to the pursuit of truth and the accurate representation of Black history. He has noticed a concerning trend in the attempt to whitewash the teaching of Black history in schools and believes educators are not providing students with a comprehensive and honest education on this important subject. Creating was always a passion of his, but he put it on hold to pursue a passion for athletics. Following in the footsteps of his older brothers, he developed his skill and dedicated his time to becoming the best in his field. However, after a while, he realized that his true passion still lies in creating things that would inspire and bring joy to people.
His history with athletics has taught him valuable skills that he now uses in every aspect of his life, including his career as an artist. He understands the work it takes to reach the top, and he brings the same level of determination and dedication to his art. He believes that creativity should not only be engaging and inspiring, but it should also offer his audience a chance to grow personally.
This author was never inspired by a single image of a Black public figure until he found a magazine photo of San Francisco Warriors basketball great Nate Thurman which became his first black role model he placed on his wall over his bed. Nate Thurman’s image was enough to inspire him to becoming an all-around athlete and earned a basketball scholarship to San Diego State University - California. There he enjoyed a successful collegiate career while studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree. After college, he took the opportunity to play professional basketball for many years abroad. He also had a brief stint as a professional football player with the Los Angeles Rams Professional Football team.
No matter where professional athletics took him, he never lost his craving for artistic endeavors. Whether it was penning a new poem or painting a scene from his travels, he always found time to create. For him creating has always been a form of therapy. Through his poetry, he has been able to explore the most challenging aspects of life, and through his artwork, he has captured some of the most precious moments. His experience as a professional athlete has taught him that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and being open to creative outlets can help us navigate these obstacles. Writing has allowed him to connect with himself and the world around him and is excited to offer that connection to his audience.
Being an athlete, the uncertainties of his athletic career never stopped him from pursuing his love for art. Alongside his training and competitions, he managed to create work and leave behind a few paintings here and there, which reflect his passion for art. After completing his athletic career, he decided to pursue his lifelong passion for the arts. He moved back to Oakland and began developing his skills as an artist, with the goal of using his talents to inspire youth and those in the sports community. His art reflects his deep connection to both sports and art, and he hopes to bring these two worlds together through his work. Whether you are a fellow artist or simply someone who appreciates beautiful and inspiring art, he invites you to explore his work.
Originally known for his remarkable sports collection, he brings the same level of passion and creativity to each and every piece of work. He is an artist who is constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas to deliver the best possible content to his audience. As an artist, he takes pride in challenging himself to create something new, whether it is a book or painting. He initially distinguished himself by compiling a fascinating art collection of sports that has become a must-see for sports fans everywhere. In all his work, he strives to create something that is both engaging and thought-provoking. He believes that every story has the potential to captivate an audience if it is told in the right way.
His art collection has captured the attention of some of the world's most influential individuals, including some of the top athletic greats, celebrities, news media, and politicians. As an author and artist, Lawrence Jones is not far from making a name for himself and achieving his long-term goals of inspiring youth and captivating the international sports and art communities. Inspired by a single image of one Black public figure, this artist began to wonder how much more could a single photo be accomplished with a compilation of Black role models and their stories.