Melissa Koby: The First Black Artist for the US OpenCEFR A2
20 Aug 2025
Adapted from Candice Stewart, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Barnabas Lartey-Odoi Tetteh, Unsplash
AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.
Melissa Koby is a Jamaican artist living in Florida. She made history as the first Black artist to create artwork for the US Open. This year’s theme is "75 Years of Breaking Barriers." It honors Althea Gibson, who was the first Black woman to be successful in tennis.
Koby's art reflects her connection to her grandmother and her heritage. She uses her artwork to tell powerful stories and emphasizes representation over appearances.
Difficult words
- artist — A person who creates art.
- history — A record of past events.
- heritage — Traditions and culture of a group.
- powerful — Very strong or influential.
- representation — The action of speaking for someone.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How does heritage influence an artist's work?
- Why is representation important in art?
- What barriers have artists historically faced?
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