Allan Rohan Crite was born in North Plainfield, New Jersey. Raised in Boston’s South End, his artistic journey began at age six when his mother gave him art supplies to keep him occupied while she wrote poetry. His talent blossomed, and with the encouragement of his teacher, Miss Brady, he attended the Children’s Art School. Crite went on to become one of the most celebrated African American painters of the 20th century, known for portraying the spiritual and everyday lives of Black communities in America—especially in urban Boston. He called himself a “reporter” of his people’s culture and history.
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