ART IS REVOLUTIONARY EXHIBIT
2024
Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum
From the “Greatest Singer of her Generation” 
Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones to the “Queen of Hip Hop,” 
Missy Elliott the wealth of creative talent that has radiated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and Hampton Roads is
astounding. Over the past 150 years, the singers, musicians, actors, artists, media executives, designers,
comedians, and writers highlighted in this exhibit have revolutionized their art forms. We celebrate
them and acknowledge their global contributions, but also remind everyone that they are from here;
they are a part of our history. And their struggles, perseverance, and successes inspire us, our
youth, and future generations.
Visit our Art is Revolutionary exhibit, and explore the lives of Hampton Roads’ most groundbreaking artists
Missy Elliott
Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones
Wanda Sykes
Graham Jackson
Ruth Brown
Ella Fitzgerald
The Hampton Singers
Cecil McPherson
Karen Briggs
Barbara Clarke Ruiz
Blind Blake
Melvin Gregg
Swamp Dogg
Adrienne Warren
Mark Mims
Ruth Inge Hardison
