A groundbreaking, full-color celebration of Black creativity and cultural impact—told through expressive LEGO® sculptures and compelling biographical storytelling. Based on an award-winning, museum-exhibited art project, Awesome Black Creativity invites readers of all ages to explore an A–Z gallery of Black icons whose contributions shaped culture, community, and history.

Awesome Black Creativity is a stunning visual tribute to the artists, activists, athletes, thinkers, and trailblazers whose influence continues to shape our world. Each entry pairs a richly photographed LEGO® portrait—crafted by LEGO Masters (USA) alumnus and award-winning artist Dave Kaleta—with an accessible, insightful biography written by Brooklyn-based cultural journalist Richard Dryden.

Originally launched as a 26-week creative collaboration on Instagram, the ABC project quickly gained national attention. It won Best Artwork at Brickworld Chicago 2022, toured as a traveling museum exhibit across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in partnership with the DuPage Children’s Museum, and earned recognition from cultural institutions, celebrities, and even the Estate of Nina Simone. Support from figures like Questlove helped propel the project into the spotlight as an innovative, heartfelt intersection of Black culture and LEGO artistry.

This book continues that journey—offering readers a beautifully designed, deeply meaningful collection that honors Black creativity across generations. From Kehinde Wiley to Marsha P. Johnson, Gordon Parks to Serena and Venus Williams, each portrait invites reflection, celebration, and conversation. It is a book meant for homes, classrooms, libraries, museums, and anyone inspired by the idea that creativity can build bridges.