Eugene "Eda" Wade facts for kids

Eugene "Eda" Wade (born November 27, 1939 – died April 15, 2021) was an amazing African American artist, teacher, and muralist. A muralist is an artist who paints large pictures, often on walls. Eugene Wade lived mostly in Chicago, Illinois. His art often focused on themes of Black power and Afrocentric ideas, which celebrate African culture and history. He was also an important part of the Black Arts Movement, a time when Black artists created powerful works about their experiences.

Early Life and Education

Eugene "Eda" Wade was born in Scotlandville, Louisiana. He went to Southern University and graduated in 1964 with a degree in Art Education. This means he studied how to teach art.

When he was young, he created his own nickname and art signature: "Edaw." This was his last name, Wade, spelled backward! Later, people often shortened it to "Eda."

Becoming an Artist and Teacher

After college, Wade started his career as an art teacher. He taught for a year in Leesburg, Florida. Then, he moved to Chicago, where he taught at McKinley Upper Grade Center for four years.

In 1969, Wade decided to study painting more deeply. He went to Howard University in Washington D.C. for two years and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting.

After finishing his studies, Wade returned to Chicago in 1971. He became a Chicago Artist-in-Residence, which meant he was a special artist who focused on creating murals for the city. In 1979, he began teaching at Kennedy King College, where he taught until he retired in 2005.

After retiring from Kennedy King College, Wade moved back to Louisiana. He lived in Zachary for three years. But he loved teaching so much that he returned to teach part-time! He taught Art Appreciation at Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College.

Famous Artworks

Eugene Wade created many important murals that told powerful stories and celebrated Black culture.

Wall of Respect (1967)

One of Wade's most famous contributions was to Chicago's landmark mural, the Wall of Respect. This huge outdoor mural was created in 1967 by a group called the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC). Wade was asked by another muralist, William "Bill" Walker, to help repaint parts of the mural.

The Wall of Respect was one of the first and largest collaborative murals about Black Power. It inspired many other murals around the world that celebrated different cultures. Sadly, the Wall of Respect was destroyed by a fire in 1971.

Wall of Dignity (1968)

Wade also helped create the Wall of Dignity with William "Bill" Walker. This mural is in Detroit. In 1968, they were asked to create a mural for a community that had experienced a lot of trouble. The artists wanted to show the strength and unity of the Black community. The mural explores important ideas like freedom, standing up for rights, and the history of Black people.

Wall of Meditation (1970)

In 1970, Wade painted the Wall of Meditation on the outside of the Olivet Community Center. This mural shows important African-American leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. It also includes ancient Egyptian symbols and figures. On one side, you can see enslaved people breaking free from their chains, which represents freedom.

Doors for Malcolm X College (1971)

In 1971, Wade painted murals on 32 doors for the original Malcolm X College building, which has since been taken down. These murals were painted on strong steel fire doors, and it took him two years to finish them all! The artist used designs from Black culture, as well as Egyptian and West African patterns. These doors became a very important symbol for the Black Arts Movement in Chicago, celebrating Black history and pride.

In 2017, all 32 doors were brought together and shown in an exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Cramton Auditorium Mural (1976)

The Cramton Auditorium Mural was painted in 1976 at Howard University in Washington D.C. Howard University encouraged its art students to think about politics and important social issues. In this mural, Wade painted famous African-American figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, along with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr..

Later Years

Eugene "Eda" Wade passed away at his home in Baton Rouge on April 15, 2021, at the age of 81. He left behind his daughters Martha, Jessica, Elizabeth, and Ivy, and his sons Durand and Manaseh, as well as his brother Robert and five grandchildren. A special event was held in Chicago in June of that year to remember him, showing videos and artworks by Wade.