University of Georgia
Richard was commissioned by the University of Georgia to create portraits of several distinguished African American alumni who have made significant and lasting contributions to the university's history.
The first portrait was unveiled in 2018, recognizing Mary Frances Early as the first African American graduate of the university.
The University of Georgia commissioned Richard Wilson to create powerful portraits honoring Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Hamilton Holmes, recognizing their historic role as the first Black students to integrate the institution in 1961. Wilson’s artwork captures their resilience and courage during a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, celebrating their lasting impact on desegregation and educational equality. The portraits were recently unveiled in a ceremony at the university, serving as a compelling tribute to their legacy and continued inspiration for future generations.
Charlayne Hunter-Gault and the President of the University of Georgia.
Shirley Mathis McBays was a pioneering faculty member and administrator at the University of Georgia, instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion. She contributed significantly to the development of academic programs and support systems that enhanced the representation and success of minority students. In honor of her impactful work and legacy, Richard Wilson painted a distinguished portrait for the university, capturing her commitment to education and equality through his evocative and contemporary artistic style.
In 2022, Richard had the honor of painting three additional portraits for the newly constructed Black-Diallo-Miller freshmen residential hall. These portraits celebrate Dr. Harold A. Black, Mary Blackwell Diallo, and Kerry Rushin Miller, the first African American freshmen to graduate with an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia. Richard created these works using oil paint on linen, capturing the legacy and significance of these pioneering figures.
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Harold A. Black
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Mary Blackwell Diallo
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Kerry Rushin Miller
