In this video, nationally-recognized Twin Cities artist Donald Walker recounts his artistic transition to becoming a social justice advocate, as he’s flanked by his eye-popping collection of posters and paintings with images of Harriet Tubman, Emmett Till, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King, among many others, with their biting, truth-telling messages.

As a young cartoon artist, Donald caught the eye of his art teacher who arranged a visit to the graphics promotion department of the Pioneer Press to get pointers on his work. That group of artists was so impressed with Donald’s work — “This guy’s got skill!” — that they wanted him to intern with their team. A job interview was arranged with the Press’s publisher who acted “weirdly” upon seeing Donald, hardly saying a word to him, although a job application was filled-out. After weeks went by, finally the teacher called the Press and was told that Donald never showed up for the interview — “a straight-up racist lie,” says Donald. 

Ironically, later in his career, Donald would become the first African American artist to work at the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Stinging as that early experience was, the affirmation he received from the Pioneer Press’s graphics staff for his outstanding skill — in contrast to the deceitful rejection by the publisher because of skin color — were life-lessons for Donald. An artist must be a truth-teller, front and center. “That’s how we learn, that’s how we get better, that’s what America needs to get better — the truth!”