Today we’d like to introduce you to Wiley Henry
Hi Wiley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
First, and foremost, I am a visual artist (to some, a portrait painter) who paints African-Americans in various scenes that capture their essence – mood, expression, character, spirituality – on canvas in the tradition of realism. Secondly, I am a writer and journalist. I worked as a journalist for the Memphis Tri-State Defender newspaper for a total of 30 years. Before my tenure had ended I was the paper’s deputy editor and senior writer. During my time there, I competed in several local, regional and national journalism competitions and won approximately eight. I’m also a professional photographer. I’ve photographed people, events, weddings, etc., for politicians, religious leaders, and others, capturing the moment. Also, I’ve written three books (two of them are published) and edited at least five for other authors. Finally, I work in a congressional office for the Honorable U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, who represents Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District in Memphis.
Now, here’s how I got started: I attended Memphis City Schools and graduated in 1975 from Northside High School in North Memphis. I won a merit scholarship to attend Memphis College of Art (formerly Memphis Academy of Arts). A few years after graduation I started working as a page layout artist for the Tri-State Defender. While I was there I began publishing news stories and features, and caught the attention of one of the owners in Chicago, Mr. Tommy Picou, who explained to the publisher that I should continue to write. He was adamant about me writing. So I did, and wrote consistently for the front page. I was still creating works of art at that time and selling posters, greeting cards and fine art prints nationwide. As my reputation expanded, I contributed op-eds to other local newspapers, magazines, and served as editor of a business magazine in New Orleans. After my stint at TSD, I worked for two years for a public relations firm as its senior writer. Then I was appointed by Congressman Cohen to work in his district office as a constituent services representative. Although I am a congressional worker, I utilize my time after hours photographing, writing (for The Tennessee Tribune in Nashville), editing, writing books, working in the community, and painting.
I’m still working on projects that I hope to bring to fruition.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No it hasn’t. There’s always a struggle depending on which side of the track you come from. I am the third child of Dessie and Wiley Heny Sr.’s eight children. We grew up in the inner city, where Black families worked hard to put food on the table while having to deal with inequities and injustices in the world. Nevertheless, my parents prevailed. The struggle was real. But I was determined to fight, to knock down closed doors, to give it my best to succeed in life, to master my craft. While trying to make inroads into the world or art, there were obstacles. After graduating from college in 1980 with a Bachelors of Art in Advertising Design, I sought employment in my field. But that didn’t happen. Doors were shut tight. I couldn’t pry them open. So I had to reinvent myself and chart my own course in life. I had to pursue other avenues, create opportunities for myself, and believed that God would bless my efforts. My mother drilled into me that I was just as good, or better, than anyone else. I still hear my mother’s voice.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a creative with innate abilities in art, writing and photography. My love for art began in elementary school. I was driven, compelled, and determined to create artwork with meaning, beauty and purpose. In fact, I endeavor to bring the subject matter on my canvas to life utilizing color, composition, other elements of design, and specialize in creating realistic artwork that speaks to who I am and my community. The same goes for writing and photography. I am reputed as an artist, writer and photographer. I am also recognized as an author, a congressional worker (for the Honorable U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), and a community servant. What am I most proud of? I am equally adept in each discipline. Hence, the work that I’ve done throughout my professional career has earned me several awards, citations and mentions. For example:
• 2019: Harriet Tubman Living Legends Award
• 2019: International Educators Hall of Fame inductee in Anaheim, Calif.
• 2018: Civil Rights Humanitarian “EBEN” Award
• 2018: The Tennessee Tribune’s (in Nashville) “Man of the Year”
• 2017: Lifetime Achievement Award at The 22nd Annual Stone Awards
• 2009: Memphis Living Legends Award – Art and Journalism
• 2003: Philip Randolph Messenger Awards Finalist – Excellence in Journalism
• 2002: Lincoln University’s 49th Annual Unity Awards National Winner – Excellence in Journalism
• 2002: Philip Randolph Messenger Awards Finalist – Excellence in Journalism
• 2002: Society of Professional Journalists – Mid-South Pro Chapter – Second Place
• 2001: Philip Randolph Messenger Awards National Winner – Outstanding Journalism
• 2001: Tennessee General Assembly: Resolution – Art and Journalism
• 2001: Memphis City Council: Resolution – Art and Journalism
• 2001: Society of Professional Journalists – Mid-South Pro Chapter Winner
• 2000: Memphis Public Library – “Volunteer of the Year” Award
• 2000: Philip Randolph Messenger Awards Finalist – Excellence in Journalism
• 1999: Society of Professional Journalists – Mid-South Pro Chapter Winner
• 1999: Society of Professional Journalists – Mid-South Pro Chapter, Second Place
• 1998: Society of Professional Journalists – Mid-South Pro Chapter Winner
• 1997: Society of Professional Journalists – Mid-South Pro Chapter Winner
This sets me apart from others.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me about my work — no matter the artistic discipline — is that I am able to continue the journey and finish the course. Therefore, whatever assignment that God has given me to fulfill, I am not opposed to being a vessel to help others sail to victory. Although it has been a struggle to get to where I am today, God has placed special people in my life to help me navigate the meandering course that I am still charting. An artist’s work is a reflection of his culture. My work reflects who I am, what I believe, and what is important to me. It is my testimony. It is important to me that the onlooker understands the significance of my work and how the work affects the onlooker. If the onlooker doesn’t feel something, then I need to go back to the drawing board and retool the work to communicate, via imagery, the message I’m trying to convey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wileyhenry.com
- Other: www.thewileyreport.blogspot.com
