Kadir Nelson
Emerson Elementary School librarian Lauren Blanford Wednesday Feb. 24, 2021 in Elmhurst, Ill. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald via AP)
Elmhurst school librarian turns page adapting to pandemic

By Katlyn Smith Apr. 04, 2021 01:01 AM EDT

This image released by ABC shows artwork by Kadir Nelson, showing the cast of "black-ish." When ABC decided the Johnsons of “black-ish” were due a portrait, it sought artist Kadir Nelson, a chronicler of contemporary African American experience and a fan of the sitcom. The result is a captivatingly sly oil-on-canvas work that depicts cast members including Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross in character as part of a riff on the “sipping tea” meme. Nelson said the approach fits a tumultuous year of racial reckoning and a devastating pandemic.  ABC's “black-ish” returns for its seventh season on Oct. 21, with the family portrait used for promoting the series. (Kadir Nelson/AB via AP)
Johnsons are 'sipping tea' for 'black-ish' family portrait

By Lynn Elber Oct. 13, 2020 11:15 AM EDT