root definition of canon:
a body of the most important, influential, or superior works in music, literature or art.
root definition of canon:
a body of the most important, influential, or superior works in music, literature or art.
Black art is worth preserving
ABOUT US
Our Mission
The Black Canon is an arts collective dedicated to preserving and promoting African American literary, performing, visual and media arts.
Curators of the James E. Wheeler Collection
The James E. Wheeler Collection represents one of the largest Black film and memorabilia collections in the world. This collection is upward of 40,000 artifacts from the 1920’s and beyond, including film, books, vintage posters and lobby cards, photographs, magazines and albums.
The collection heralds the likes of Dorothy Dandridge, Paul Robeson, Herb Jeffries and Lena Horne; the works of Oscar Micheaux and reel to reel film of Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, just to name a few.
Collabs and Partnerships
We are always looking to connect with like-minded individuals and institutions (inclusive of educators, students, Schools and Universities, museums, filmmakers, libraries, tastemakers, arts and culturists). We are open to exploring custom exhibitions, content creation, licensing, contributions and art lending.
The black canon on Instagram
Searching for black gold preview
Partnering with Jomaja Films, we are in the process of creating a tri-narrative documentary showcasing the search for Black gold: our father’s journey as a
man, discovery of the collection relics and the art of archiving. This is a preview of the remarkable story.
As seen on local 4 Detroit News
The Black Canon had the privilege of being featured on Local 4, WDIV (September 2024).
Synopsis: A local group is working to make a historic art collection and memorabilia, dating back to the 1920s, accessible to the public through a new nonprofit. Siblings, who inherited the collection from their father, are passionately sorting through thousands of items to educate the public and have provided a behind-the-scenes look into their efforts.
Partners and affiliates
Black Artists Archive
creates a safe, supportive, and dynamic space for people to make, exhibit, learn, and preserve Black art history & visual culture.
Motor City Cinema Society
believes that watching movies on film offers a richer and more rewarding experience. Their goal is to resurrect this kind of film culture in Detroit by offering movies as they were meant to be seen.
Jomaja Films
specializing in visual storytelling, Jomaja Films is a full blown production and consultation company designed to transmit ideas into stunning visual representation.
The Gates Preserve
a leading institution for archiving and preservation, narrative shaping and legacy structuring for public figures, content creators and brands.
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The Black Canon, LLC
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Help Us Make History
Support our mission by donating to our cause (Road to 100) or shopping our store.