The Godfather of the Dallas Black Art Movement:

Frank Frazier on the Power of the People

In this powerful oral history interview, legendary artist Frank Frazier shares his profound journey from being raised in Queens, to serving as a paratrooper in Vietnam, and ultimately becoming the “Godfather” of the Black art scene in Dallas, Texas. With raw honesty and deep cultural pride, Mr. Frazier opens up about why he dedicated his life to painting exclusively for his community and how he has spent decades lifting up the next generation of Black creators. From encounters with John F. Kennedy to creating masterpieces collected by everyday people and Hollywood stars alike, Frank Frazier’s story is a masterclass in resilience, community-building, and artistic independence.

Interviewee: Frank Frazier
Interviewer: Jamie LeShaé Jenkins / Daughter of Dallas
Interview Date: January 20, 2024
Version: Edited from original

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A filmstrip-style graphic introduces artist Emmanuel Gillespie through three black-and-white images. At the center, Gillespie smiles warmly beneath a wide-brimmed hat and round glasses, seated in front of one of his paintings. To the left is an expressive portrait painting with bold brushstrokes and an intense gaze. To the right stands a statue of a baseball player holding a bat, set against a brick wall. The dark, cinematic design connects painting, public art, and the artist behind them, while bold yellow text across the bottom reads, “EMMANUEL GILLESPIE.”
A filmstrip-style graphic celebrates artist Frank Frazier through a mix of portrait and artwork. At the center, an older man with a white beard smiles warmly at the camera, framed by two of his striking black-and-white compositions. One panel shows a lively gathering of figures carrying baskets and standing among patterned vessels, while the other features tall, stylized silhouettes arranged like a visual chorus. The dark background and cinematic layout make the piece feel less like a biography and more like an invitation to step into an artist's world. Bold yellow text at the bottom reads, “FRANK FRAZIER.”