Meet Tracy Rookard Shaw | Historian, Author, & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracy Rookard Shaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind launching both Black Art Unbound and History Gurus came from a deep need to preserve, elevate, and visually express Black history in ways that are both accessible and impactful.

As a historian and author, my work through HistoryGurus.org is rooted in unearthing and documenting the often-overlooked stories of African American life—stories that challenge the dominant narratives and give voice to those silenced by history. But I realized that not everyone would encounter these truths through books alone. I needed another medium—one that could bring history into people’s everyday lives.

That’s where Black Art Unbound was born. Through blackartunbound.com, I combined research with creativity to create original artwork inspired by our heritage, triumphs, and struggles. My goal was to make mixed media art that speaks—pieces that carry the weight of history and the beauty of culture.

Launching both platforms allowed me to operate in two dimensions: one focused on historical scholarship and the other on visual storytelling. Together, they form a holistic approach to cultural preservation—educating, inspiring, and reclaiming our narratives across generations.

This mission is also reflected in my upcoming book, In the Absence of Justice: The Untold Stories of Young Black Children Sentenced to the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, which will be released in late 2025. It’s a deeply personal project that reveals the hidden history of children who were criminalized and erased from public memory—and it further underscores why this work matters so much.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is deeply rooted in history. It’s not just about creating beautiful visuals—it’s about reclaiming truth, honoring legacy, and elevating voices that have been silenced or forgotten. Through Black Art Unbound, I create mixed media artwork inspired by African and African American history. Each piece is layered with meaning—sometimes literally—and is often based on years of archival research from my work as a historian.

What sets my work apart is the fusion of fact and feeling. I don’t just imagine—I investigate, I remember, and I retell. Whether it’s a portrait inspired by a child once imprisoned in the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary or a celebration of the vibrancy of Black family life, every image is meant to provoke thought, inspire pride, and spark conversation.

Professionally, I didn’t follow a traditional path. I’ve worked in finance and engineering for over 20 years, I serve as Chair of the Douglas County Board of Education, and I’ve built my work as an artist and historian simultaneously. It wasn’t easy—especially balancing roles that often seem disconnected. But I’ve learned that your purpose doesn’t have to fit inside one title or box. You can lead, create, and serve all at once.

Some of the greatest challenges came from being in rooms where my ideas were overlooked or underestimated. But I’ve learned to trust my voice and create my own platforms when necessary. Black Art Unbound and HistoryGurus.org are both products of that determination—to preserve, present, and honor Black narratives on our own terms.

I want the world to know that my art is more than decor—it’s documentation. It’s evidence of who we are, where we’ve been, and how powerful we remain. My story is still unfolding, and my hope is that every canvas, every paragraph, and every piece I create becomes a mirror and a monument for our people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome to Atlanta
We’d start with brunch at The Kitchen Bar and Grill in Douglasville. Two of my close friends, Devetrion Caldwell and Gregory Ussery, have masterfully infused southern charm into some of the best food in the Metro area. From the atmosphere to the flavor, it’s the perfect welcome.
Day 2: Historic Atlanta
We’d explore the Auburn Avenue Historic District, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the APEX Museum. For dinner, we’d head to Solo Caribbean Food Bar and Grill in Carrollton. The food is incredible, infused with a flavorful blend of African cultures, and it’s one of the region’s hidden gems.
Day 3: Art and Culture
We’d visit the High Museum of Art and the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, both offering moving exhibitions rooted in Black culture and identity. A sweet treat from Not As Famous Cookie Company, followed by live music at City Winery or a show at the Alliance Theatre, would round out the day.
Day 4: West Georgia + Douglasville Pride
We’d spend the day in Douglasville, browsing local shops and visiting my studio to explore the visual storytelling behind Black Art Unbound. We’d enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Kuumba Coffee, a locally owned space that celebrates Black excellence and creativity. The evening would be reserved for quality time at home with my family.
Day 5: Nature + Nourishment
We’d take a peaceful hike through Sweetwater Creek State Park, then stop by the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County for their latest exhibit—another reminder that art is alive and well in every part of our region.
Day 6: Hidden Black History Tour
We’d dive deep into Atlanta’s lesser-known Black historical sites, including the original Morris Brown College location and South-View Cemetery. Many of these landmarks are connected to stories featured in my first book, The Ghosts of Douglass County. For dinner, we’d dine at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, where modern Southern cuisine is served with heart.

Day 7: Celebration and Reflection
To close out the week, we’d gather at The Blu Rose Bistro in Douglasville. The atmosphere is elegant, the food is exceptional, and it’s the perfect setting to reflect, connect, and celebrate a week of meaningful moments.
The Metro Atlanta area encompasses many cities, each offering its own rhythm, soul, and cultural richness. Whether through food, history, or the arts, every stop is a chance to explore who we are and celebrate where we come from.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I could do this work alone, and I’m grateful to have been surrounded by a strong circle of love, purpose, and service.

First, I dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Brandon, and our sons, Heim and Jahbril. They are my daily inspiration—my peace, my motivation, and the reason I push forward even when the path is difficult. Their belief in me has been unwavering, and their sacrifices have allowed me to pursue my work fully and fearlessly.

I also want to recognize the extraordinary women of The Links, Incorporated – West Georgia (GA) Chapter. Being part of this sisterhood has enriched my life in countless ways. Their commitment to leadership, service, and uplifting the community mirrors the values I hold dear and reminds me of the legacy we’re all building together.

And lastly, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Douglas County Board of Education. The community that trusts me to lead continues to inspire me every day. It is their resilience, their dreams, and their children that fuel my drive to create, advocate, and preserve history in every form I can.

Website: www.blackartunbound.com; www.historygurus.org

Instagram: Black Art Unbound

Facebook: Black Art Unbound

Youtube: Black Art Unbound

Image Credits
Historian Tracy Rookard Shaw, Black Art Unbound, LLC – www.blackartunbound.com