Black History

The Dallas Mavericks honor the legacy and contributions of Black artists from history and take collective actions in the present to demonstrate our commitment of building a more just, equal, and inclusive future. To Honor Black History and inspire artists across the DFW, The Dallas Mavericks present the 2025 Black History Month Art Contest open January 6 through February 9. North Texas Students, grades 8 – 12, are encouraged to create and digitally submit a visual medium that represents Black History and the growth of representation of Black Culture in the arts through different eras of time.

Black History Month Art Contest –– NOW OPEN THROUGH FEBRUARY 9, 2025 11:59pm

Flights provided by

Precious Monsivais
9th Grade
Cedar Hill High School

This artwork embodies black excellence. It’s a portrait of a strong and successful black woman who is confident in her own skin. The warm color palette represents the brightness of her future and the cool colors represents her peace. The traditional African print pattern in the background is to show her pride in her culture.

Ethan Lin
9th Grade
Einstein School
“The Dream for Justice and Equality for all”

Avi Swain
12th Grade
Uplift Hampton Preparatory

This art serves as a powerful symbol, illustrating the collective impact of activism in the black community. These pieces to the puzzle highlight the significant milestones achieved through unity during the civil rights movement.

Cortney Buford
10th Grade
The Hockaday School

A powerful acrylic painting that intricately captures the essence of the black experience, skillfully navigating triumphs and tribulations. The central figure, a strong black woman facing towards the right, embodies resilience and determination. Before her, a spectrum of lighter colors symbolizes the inspirational accomplishments of past and present black leaders, creating a luminous path forward. Intertwined within this inspiring composition are positive news headlines highlighting the community’s achievements. Conversely, behind and around her, darker hues depict the challenges and negative events that have marked the black community’s history. In this contrasting backdrop, negative news headlines weave through the composition, shedding light on the struggles faced. This dual narrative, expressed through color and headlines, forms a visual dialogue on the complex journey toward justice and unity. This painting serves as a vivid visual narrative of unity and justice, showcasing how the guiding light of black leaders has paved the way for empowerment. The title, “Harmony Amidst Strife,” encapsulates the juxtaposition of light and dark elements, reflecting the strength found within the community. Each brushstroke and headline tells a story of overcoming adversity and standing united in the pursuit of justice, honoring the legacy of black leaders who have been beacons of hope through challenging times.

Allura Jules
12th Grade
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School

Made using pen hatching and hair base from overlapping news clippings to digital for the words in the hair. This piece represents the frustrations of so many. Pain and suffering are everywhere we turn, from news channels to protests in the streets to schools. The people have grown numb to police shootings, war, and targeted murders We’ve gotten so used to being surrounded by violence that it feels like it will never end. We’re tired of screaming the same cries, crying the same tears because all we want is to be heard, for people to see through our eyes, to see what we see.

Meet The Selection Committee