The story of the U.S. dime is more layered than many realize, particularly when considering the contributions of Black artists often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Few know that the dime’s design, featuring President Franklin D. Roosevelt, traces back to the artistry of [Selma Burke], a talented sculptor whose work deserves greater recognition.
In 1943, President Roosevelt sat for a portrait by Burke, a young, gifted African-American artist hailing from Mooresville. Burke dedicated two years to creating a bas-relief portrait, capturing Roosevelt’s essence with skill and precision. However, when the dime was minted, John R. Sinnock’s signature appeared on it, and he received sole credit for the design. While Burke’s portrait is acknowledged as an inspiration, her direct contribution to the final image on the coin remains largely unacknowledged. According to Lisa E. Farrington, author of “Creating Their Own Image, The History of African-American Women Artists,” Sinnock made only “barely perceptible alterations” to Burke’s original design.
Beyond her work on the Roosevelt portrait, Burke was a lifelong student and educator. She earned a degree from Winston-Salem State University and a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University. She founded her first art school in 1940, followed by another in 1946, and eventually opened the Selma Burke Art Center in Pittsburgh, which thrived from 1968 to 1981. She was also honored with a number of awards and honorary doctorate degrees, including one from Spelman College in 1988. In 1975, the governor of Pennsylvania declared a Selma Burke Day in recognition of her contributions to art and education.
Burke’s story is a poignant reminder of the countless Black artists whose genius has been historically marginalized. Though she never received full credit for the dime, her legacy as a sculptor, educator, and champion of the arts endures, inspiring generations to come. She passed away in 1995 at the age of 94, leaving behind an indelible mark on the art world.
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