One month isn't enough to convey the fullness of African American experience, but 5 artists agree it's a start

Steven Winn, Chronicle Arts and Culture Critic

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

On the eve of Black History Month, The Chronicle invited five African American artists, ages 23 to 42, to participate in a roundtable discussion about their work and their lives in 2006 America.

The 90-minute conversation touched on aspirations and frustrations, the roles of, and perceptions of, black artists, the new Museum of the African Diaspora, crack cocaine and more. It began with some reflections on the meaning of Black History Month. The transcript was abridged and edited for clarity and continuity.