Al Black

Early life Black was born July 12, 1947 in Barlow, Mississippi. When he was 14-years-old, he left home rather than become a farm worker. Over a five-year period, the woman had given Black daily support money and a trailer to live in exchange for the promise of sharing the proceeds of his art sales and an alleged inheritance of his deceased parent's estate.

Prison murals While incarcerated at the Florida Department of Corrections CFRC in Orlando for three years, Black was permitted by the warden to paint 90 large wall murals. Black then painted more wall murals after his transfer to the Tomoka Correctional Institution in Daytona Beach and was commissioned to paint a mural at the prison in Zephyrhills, Florida. He was released in 2006.

Following release from prison, Black returned to live in Fort Pierce where he continued a career as a landscape artist. He also gave painting workshops and made personal appearances at art festivals.

Personal life Black was the father of eight children. He died on May 12, 2025 following hospitalization for pulmonary disease.