TUPELO — Dozens of people stopped by the GumTree Museum of Art Friday evening for a reception honoring Tupelo painter Billy Clifton as the museum kicks off a monthlong exhibition
⢠For 45 years, Billy Clifton has used his gift as an artist to portray Black life.
It started in 1976. Years prior, Clifton discerned he had a gift from God, but he kept running from it, he said. Once he realized he didnât have a purpose for being here, he took inventory of his own life.
âI had a conversation with God one night, and (said) that I wanted to spend the rest of my life on this planet painting my people in a positive light,â Clifton said. âWe had a lot of misleading information concerning Black people and the contributions that they have made, whether they credit for it or donât get credit for it.â
TUPELO
⢠Committee for King (CFK) has honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.âs legacy in the City of Tupelo since 1986. When it was time to celebrate and organize 2021âs celebration, CFK chair Shawn Brevard wondered if there has ever been a more important year to honor the good King did and the inspiration he left behind.
âHe was a galvanizing force,â Brevard said of the U.S. Civil Rights leader. âWe recognize through the divisive politics, the pandemic, the inequitable effect of COVID on minorities, people of color ⦠(and) with everything thatâs going on in the world, I think (the work that we do) is more important than ever.â