Moments in Black History at USES: Allan Crite

To honor and celebrate Black History Month, we will be highlighting Moments in Black History at United South End Settlements throughout February. A version of the following appeared in the February 20, 2020 issue of The Bay State Banner:

Nurturing The Talent And Creative Spirit Of Our Young People

Photo of Allan Rohan Crite, who was a student at United South End Settlements' Children's Art Centre and became a renowned Boston-based artist. Image courtesy of Joyce Ferriabough.

For a young Allan Rohan Crite, United South End Settlements’ Children’s Art Centre (CAC), founded in 1918 – and still standing at 36 Rutland Street in the South End – was where his CAC teacher first noticed his artistic talents.

He attended the CAC from the time he was eight until he was fourteen. Later in his oral history, he spoke of the many ways the CAC inspired and helped nurture his budding artistic genius.

The beloved and world famous Crite is famous for capturing the South End’s black life and rich diversity with his colorful street and people scapes.

Thousands of young people have passed through the doors of the Children‘s Art Centre. Many went on to become teachers, professionals, and other leaders – and yes, even a world-famous artist whose works hang in the Smithsonian.

Using art as the foundation for multi-sensory engagement, USES recently introduced the Children’s Art Centre STEAM program to all of its youth, from infants to twelve years old, combining art, science, engineering, math, and technology — a wonderful new and innovative resource for future generations. Learn more here.