Douglas was known for his abstract, 2-dimensional black and white paintings. Douglas broke down figures of traditional African styles into geometric objects. He painted human figures as symbols of all African Americans. He wanted people to understand their spiritual identity. Douglas was often called the “Father of African-American art.”

A native of Topeka, Kansas, Douglas received his B.A. degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1922. In 1928-29, he studied in Paris on a grant from the Barnes Foundation. In 1937, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he founded the Art Department at Fisk University and taught for 29 years. Douglas’ use of African design brought him to the attention of W. E. B. DuBois and Alain Locke. They were pressing for young African-American artists to express their African heritage and African-American folk culture in their art.

Aaron Douglas’ art illustrated the ‘New Negro’ philosophy. He painted murals for all sorts of public buildings and produced illustration and cover designs for many black publications such as “The Crisis" and "Opportunity.” His most famous illustrations were for James Weldon Johnson’s book of poetic sermons, “God’s Trombones.” His artistic views have a lasting impression and influence on artistic themes of African American heritage and racial pride.