I am taking a departure from my normal and sharing a work of visual art. “Unbroken Paradox” honors the extraordinary life of William Hooper Councill, a former enslaved man among men who rose from the red dust of Alabama to become the founder and first president of what is now Alabama A&M University. This work, created with red clay taken from the grounds of his enslavement and the university he built, embodies the profound duality of his journey—pain and triumph, oppression and liberation, roots and ascension.
I was told by a professor while an undergrad at Alabama A&M University that “Your success is inevitable because this Alabama Red Clay is rich with the blood of your ancestors.” Those words transformed me from a witness to a man on and in purpose. The red clay is more than a medium; it is history itself, rich with the essence of the land that bore witness to Councill’s transformation. From the soil of hardship grew a legacy of excellence, a paradox of unbroken spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. This work connects past struggles to present victories, serving as a timeless reminder that greatness can emerge from even the harshest conditions.
“Unbroken Paradox” is a piece of history that celebrates the resilience, vision, and courage of one of Alabama’s greatest pioneers. It’s a testament to the power of education to uplift and transform lives, just as Councill did for countless others. This work is charged with the “blood” of our ancestors. “Unbroken Paradox” is not merely a painting; it is a legacy, a story of perseverance, and a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Notes of A Native Son 