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4.
economics at that time, or at least I thought I did. During my first year at Howard, I met Professor Herring, who at that time was an instructor of art. He taught architectural rendering [[strikethrough]] s [[/strikethrough]] and watercolor painting. He informed me that he was going to set [[strikethrough]] ting [[/strikethrough]] up a major course in fine arts and suggested that with my great interest in painting and costume design I should reconsider my home economics major [[strikethrough]] that I did and [[/strikethrough]] After [[strikethrough]] making my [[/strikethrough]] much thought I made the decision [[strikethrough]] I enrolled [[/strikethrough]] to enroll in [[/strikethrough]] to [[/strikethrough]] the new curriculum of fine arts. I took studio classes in sketching and sculpture. I found the professor very inspiring and he became a great influence [[strikethrough]] up [[/strikethrough]] on my outlook as a person [[strikethrough]] as well [[/strikethrough]] and as an artist. [[strikethrough]] After completing this new art program [[/strikethrough]] I became the first graduate to receive a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. from Howard University in 1924.

At this point in my life, realizing that I had to begin to support myself and help my aging parents, I decided to take a teaching position in the public schools in the District of Columbia. Again, I was inspired by my students at Shaw Junior High School in the northwest section of Washington D.C. I [[strikethrough]] never realized [[/strikethrough]] did not realize that this [[strikethrough]] is [[/strikethrough]] would be where I would spend the next thirty- [[strikethrough]] five [[/strikethrough]] six years of my life, teaching.

In 1930 I met an instructor named Lois Mailou Jones who was teaching in the School of Fine Arts at Howard. She was excellent in design and watercolor painting. This began a lifetime association between us. I was always fascinated by Lois' use of color and form on her canvases. [can bring in here the little Paris group]
In the summer of 1930 I decided to attend Columbia University's Teachers College in New York City. this was a dream come true for m e. [[strikethrough]] To be in [[/strikethrough]] New York or the Big Apple in the '30's was a utopia for anyone with a creative mind. This was during the Harlem Renaissance - One of the most creative and exciting times in the history of the Afro-American life in this