A year ago, or so I was looking for something in our June 1984, microfilmed CC News newspapers, when something caught my eye. I reversed the film and began reading an article about a man named Raymond Lark. Now I didn’t know this man, but I wished I had.
Raymond Lark was born June 16th 1939 to Bertha Lark, a domestic worker in Philadelphia. Raymond rose from shoeshine boy, farm laborer, junkman, and factory worker. Lark, inspired by the civil rights movement, became an Artist. He used painting, pastels, watercolor, drafting and printing as his mediums. Lark joined the Art West Association (AWA), an organization that promoted education and culture discussion. Lark a resident of Culver City, in 1984 was probably the most famous living Black artist. He is listed in over 500 history books, directories, periodicals, and his work has been exhibited in over 100 major art museums and galleries around the world. His portfolio is also listed in the Library of Congress. Lark is included in the 1982-1983 edition of “ Who’s Who in the World”. No discussion of twentieth Century artists would be complete without mention of Raymond Lark.
“I believe strongly that self-confidence underlies the achievement of one’s personal goals in Life…” – Raymond Lark

