Facts on 9 January

1901 - Death of Edward Mitchell Bannister

Edward Mitchell Bannister, a celebrated African American painter known for his pastoral landscapes and seascapes, died on this day. Bannister was a key figure in the 19th-century American art world and co-founder of the Providence Art Club. Despite facing racial barriers, he became the first African American artist to win a national award when he received first prize at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. His work and legacy helped pave the way for future generations of Black artists.

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