Joe Minter
Joe Wade Minter Sr. is an African American, Birmingham-based artist born in 1943 who specializes in sculpture, assemblage, and collections. His art is inspired by his upbringing and heritage. In his work Minter draws in-part from the racism, discrimination, and segregation he experienced growing up in Jim Crow-era Alabama. His parents, Rosie McAlpin Minter and Lawrence Dunbar Minter worked as sharecroppers. Together, they raised ten children, emphasizing the importance of education, having a close relationship with God, and the Golden Rule. These teachings clearly emerge in Joe Minter’s work. According to him, “What you see before you is a miracle from God. I can make a testimony because I am part of a testimony and God gave me the blueprint.” His father served in the 366th Infantry during World War I and was a skilled blacksmith. He passed this trade down to his son. Joe Minter worked in metal for eleven years as well as in construction and carpentry.
Minter’s art focuses on a number of topics centered around racism, slavery, the African American diaspora, global affairs, and the environment. He has hundreds of his pieces on display at his home property, which is adjacent to Elmwood Cemetery where his father worked as caretaker and a number of his family members including his parents and wife are buried. His biggest and most prominent piece, the “African Village in America,” is a monument to thousands of African American ancestors and their stories.
Minter infused the African Village in America with history, intending it to educate and guide the younger generations to find their destiny. Beyond the vital role that his ancestors and heritage play in his art his late wife, Hilda Jo Patrick Minter, is another primary inspiration. They were married for many decades and raised two sons together. According to Minter, “The sweetest thing that God could give to a man is a helpmate. She was one hundred percent dedicated to not only giving me the love that she could give, but for the protection, warmth, and the caress that she could give. She was a real queen, a real matriarch.” Hilda Minter passed away September 5, 2021.