On this day, Henry Ossawa Tanner, renowned African American painter, was posthumously elected to full membership in the National Academy of Design—the first Black artist to receive this honor. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1859 and raised in Philadelphia, Tanner studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under Thomas Eakins, then moved to France in the 1890s to escape racial discrimination and pursue his art freely.

Tanner became internationally acclaimed for his biblical scenes, genre paintings, and landscapes, blending realism with spirituality. His most famous works include The Banjo Lesson (1893) and The Thankful Poor (1894).

His 2001 induction recognized not only his artistic excellence but also his role in paving the way for generations of Black artists.