Dexter R. Merritt Sr. is the creator and CEO of Positive Black Images, a Gaithersburg, Maryland-based fine art publication and distribution organization. Mr. Merritt left Mississippi after graduating from college in 1985 and lived in Dallas, Texas for eight years. He, like many recent grads, rented an apartment for the first few years before purchasing his own home a few years later. As a result, he became obsessed with finding art that reminded him of the world he had left behind. He desired works that conveyed Mississippi Delta heritage, as well as a collection that represented the African American experience. He also intended to exhibit art that may affect positive change.
Mr. Merritt went to a number of galleries in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. While he spotted numerous pieces he loved, he also noted a scarcity in what he was looking for and was able to locate them. Mr. Merritt had the good fortune to meet several brilliant painters as he moved from gallery to gallery. As he formed ties with other artists, it became clear that the perceived scarcity of the work he sought was not the end; rather, it was the beginning. Mr. Merritt decided to contribute to the answer by collaborating with local artists to develop the things he desired. As a result, he formed Positive Black Images in 1989.
He ran his part-time mail-order business in the evenings and on weekends for 15 years while working at huge information technology corporations during the day. Mr. Merritt proceeded to occupy positions of increasing importance in corporate America as the Positive Black Images business flourished during the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2004, it became clear that he could no longer maintain a healthy work-life balance while juggling two worlds. As a result, he put the part-time business on hold and committed to a full-time job in engineering, program management, and portfolio management until his retirement in 2020. Mr. Merritt expressed gratitude and blessings for his 35-plus years of service in his profession.
Mr. Merritt believes that people are not limited to one profession. We all have many interests that change over time. In such spirit, he converted the previous mail-order firm into an eCommerce site. Their fine art and gift items selection includes open and limited-edition prints, full-color and black-and-white reproductions, greeting cards, and other accessories. Positive Black Images takes pleasure in providing the highest quality African American art to its consumers. They are especially happy to offer a range that reflects the African American experience. Every piece of art has a function and tells a narrative.
The 1st series they published was “Success Comes In Cans – I Can, You Can, We Can”. “I Can” by Alix Beaujour illustrates a young man as he studies by the light from a kerosene lamp with a ray of brightness illuminating one of his eyes. A black-and-white picture of Frederick Douglas can be seen in the background because, during that time, there were no color photographs. “I Can” creatively communicates Mr. Merritt’s father’s determination and passion for education, dating back to his formative years. To truly appreciate his passion for education, you must first understand his philosophy of education. Dr. Merritt said, “Be it formal or informal, education is essential for one’s own survival and the survival of others. Openness and ambiguity encourage thinking; likewise, specificity limits thinking. Education comes in two forms. One form of education enables us to earn a living; the other enables us to live. It is paramount to realizing one’s full potential.” It was only fitting that “I Can” be the 1st painting in the “Success Comes In Cans” series.
“You Can” by Arthello Beck Jr. illustrates a schoolteacher as she inspires the younger generation to realize their full potential. This painting creatively communicates Mr. Merritt’s mother’s passion for educating others as a young teacher. To truly appreciate her passion and commitment to her students, you must first understand Mrs. Merritt’s commitment to her family and the communities she served. Mr. Merritt said that nurturing and educating others came naturally to his mother. It was only fitting that “You Can” be the 2nd painting in the “Success Comes In Cans” series.
“We Can” by Arthello Beck Jr. illustrates a family giving thanks before dinner. The Success Comes In Cans series illustrates that success in part can be achieved through educating yourself, taking the time to educate and mentor others, and family unity. It was only fitting that “We Can” be the 3rd painting in the “Success Comes In Cans” series.