Know Your History: J.J. Evans

In 1964, J. J. Evans became the first black professor of art at Princeton University. He resigned after being increasingly criticized for painting only long-limbed, linear black models and being asked to expand his repertoir to include matter more ‘relatable’ to white audiences. He moved back to the projects of Chicago where he and his younger brother, Michael, formed ‘Juice and Justice,’ a militant r & b duo in the 70s. The duo lost fans after Michael was caught in a hotel with a white woman in 1973; El Debarge, Montell Jordan, and Akon all list the group among their musical inspirations.

Know Your History.