Title: “Building Bridges To Power” 2024
Medium: Digital Art
Dimensions: 27 x 39 inches
Artists: Femi Kayede and Anthony B. Adeaba
Description:
“Building Bridges To Power” depicts Winston Anderson juxtaposed against the White House. Though not a traditional monument, the artist uses sharp geometric shapes and dominant colors to evoke a sense of power and authority. Dr. Anderson’s face is prominent and takes center stage. The contrast between the cool austerity of the White House and the warmth radiating from Dr. Anderson, symbolizes his ability to bridge the gap between the Caribbean American community and the halls of power. The overall composition conveys Dr. Anderson's role as a trailblazer who helped to pave the way for future generations.
Dr. Winston Anderson: A Life Shaped by Family, Education, and Global Awareness
Dr. Winston A. Anderson's journey is an inspiring tapestry woven from the threads of family, education, and a remarkable openness to the world. Raised in a modest household that championed learning, Dr. Anderson's path led him to Howard University, a prestigious institution that empowered him and his siblings to make impactful contributions in the medical field. Born on July 26, 1940, in Kingston, Jamaica, Anderson graduated from Calabar High School in 1959 and soon after immigrated to the United States. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in zoology from Howard University in 1962 and 1963, respectively, and later obtained his Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from Brown University in 1966.
Dr. Anderson's career is marked by significant contributions to both academia and the broader community. In 1975, he was appointed chair of the Howard University Department of Zoology, a position he held until 1983. He continued to serve as a professor of biomedical science, where his influence extended beyond teaching to mentoring and research. With a $1 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in 2006, he established the Howard Hughes Medical Research Scholars program, further supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health, to promote minority students' careers in biomedical research.
A founding member of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) and the first African American scientist elected to its council, Dr. Anderson's work has been widely recognized. He received numerous awards, including the Anne Langer Award for Cancer Research, the Distinguished Teacher Award from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, and Brown University's Outstanding Graduate Alumnus Award. Howard University also honored him for establishing the distinguished lecture series, “Brilliant Encounters in Science.” In 2011, he was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.
Dr. Anderson's contributions extend beyond the laboratory and classroom. He co-founded the Sandy Spring Museum and African Art Gallery in 1988, where he serves as curator, and has been an active advocate for the Caribbean diaspora. His empathy and belief in the potential of his community drive his dedication to causes like the Marcus Garvey Pardon and the Ethiopian Shashamane Project. Through his life's work, Dr. Anderson emphasizes the importance of education, travel, and community engagement, inspiring Caribbean American youth to surround themselves with positive influences and strive for limitless opportunities. His story is a potent reminder of the boundless potential within each of us.
