Despite the racial progression America has made, some areas and industries, such as graphic design, continue to remain predominantly white.
Tasheka Arceneaux-Sutton, an assistant professor of graphic design at Southeastern, gave a lecture last Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. in the Hammond Regional Arts Center, to discuss this issue.
The lecture entitled “Where’s the Black in Graphic Design?” was part of the Let’s Talk Art lecture series put on by the collaboration of Sims Memorial Library, the Southeastern Contemporary Art Gallery and the Hammond Regional Arts Center.
“I wanted to explore my research and figure out ways to use graphic design as a way to explore my interest in African American studies, identity and culture,” said Arceneaux-Sutton.  
Arceneaux-Sutton told her journey through graphic design, mentioning school, jobs and teaching. She emphasized her passion for exploring the absence of African Americans in graphic design and discovering the few that were successful in the business.
“I went on this huge journey to find the black aesthetic in graphic design,” said Arceneaux-Sutton.  
Arceneaux-Sutton mentioned how she realized not many graphic designers were African American. She continued to build and explore this idea throughout her career.
She concluded the reason for lack of many African American graphic designers was due to many black students going to underprivileged high schools where they are not exposed to the area of graphic design. Also, because there are not many successful African American graphic designers, many of them do not have anyone relatable to follow.
“Whether women, men, gay or whatever. In general, people have a tendency to look for a career where they think they can relate to people or they know there are people that are similar to them that have been successful in that area,” explained Arceneaux-Sutton. “So I think graphic design can be the same way if it were a bit more diverse.”
Arceneaux-Sutton went on to mention the few successful African American graphic designers from past to present day including Leroy Winbush, Georg Olden, Eddie Opara and Emory Douglas.
In history, the percentage of black graphic designers was a low two percent. Arceneaux-Sutton tells how this percentage has not changed much, if at all.
“I’m here for inspiration,” said Lindsay Barrose, a junior graphic design major. “I’m just going to hear what she says and see what inspires me in any shape or form.”
The next opportunity for inspiration courtesy of the Let’s Talk Art lecture series will be  on March 20 in the Sims Memorial Library at 12 p.m. Irene Nero, an associate professor of art history, will be giving the lecture entitled “Building, Bending, Soaring: Women Architects Hit New Heights.” Timothy Silva, instructor of art history, will give the final lecture of the series entitled “Caravaggio: A Cry in the Dark” on April 24 at the Hammond Regional Arts Center.
For more information about upcoming events contact the Hammond Regional Arts Center at 985-542-7113.