Yusef Iman

Yusef Iman’s earth life was from October 6, 1933 to June 23, 1987, born in Savannah, Georgia. He was one of the most significant contributors to the Black Arts and Black Liberation movements in the 1960’s. His art was revolutionary and progressive along with other artists and writers such as Amiri Baraka, Ed Bullins, Larry Neal, Sonia Sanchez, Gwendolyn Brooks, Haki Madhubuti, Askia Muhammad Toure. It was at the Black Arts Repertory Theatre School in Harlem spearheaded by Amiri Baraka that catapulted Yusef Iman on the national stage. Yusef’s theatrical skills were highlighted and honed performing in revolutionary theater in such plays as “Dutchman,” “Black Mass,” “Arm Yourself or Harm Yourself,” “Jello” written by Amiri Baraka and “The Militant Preacher” written by graphic artist and playwriter, Ben Caldwell, who affectionately refer to Yusef Iman as a “Supreme Activist.”

The ethics, aesthetics and cultural nationalism of the Black Arts Movement empowered conscious people to pursue and appreciate revolutionary Black Art. Black art was a cultural creation and political commitment and it was the responsibility of the artists to their communities that laid the basis for revolutionary change in Black people’s consciousness. – Yusef & Dara Iman Memorial