Bennie White Jr.

Bennie White Jr. Ethiopia Israel, Master Artist 1937- 2025
Detroit lost one of its own, Bennie White Jr. Ethiopia Israel of Detroit, Michigan born October 31st, 1937to father Bennie Lee White and mother Ruth Marie Smith White-Duggan. His talent was first discovered as a third grader at Higginbotham school in Detroit.There was no concerted effort to develop his talent,but this youngster from a less than privileged back-ground was noticed for exceptional artistic ability.Even at this early age, several pieces of his work were selected and placed on display in the school which remained for decades after his departure.After working as a draftsman and artist for the US Air Force with distinguishment, he returned to civilian life inspired to continue hi straining. Israel made efforts to obtain employment in the field of drafting after leaving the US Air Force, but his efforts to obtain employment were rebuffed by potential employers informing him that blacks weren’t allowed to hold such positions at that time. Israel floundered from job to job to support his family. A chance exposure to another artist’s success motivated him to return to his true talents of drawing and painting. With the GI bill from the military and great deter-mination Bennie earned a degree in Commercial Arts and Advertising Design from the Society of Arts and Crafts now known as Detroit's celebrated College for Creative studies (1960-1966). He earned a degree in Fine Arts. Bennie was well known for the truthful tones of his work often reflecting his feelings toward unfair systems in society. He was the role model of a man able to depict the aesthetics of strong morale and physical beauty while maintaining the traditional role of husband and father while promoting positive images of the black family often not portrayed in the main stream media. Encouraging interest and skills in artistic expression was his mission while teaching visual arts to inner city youths. He also taught an adult education course at Osborn High School in Detroit. In 1992, Israel created the Malice Green mural and gained worldwide exposure which was documented nationally and with the Detroit Historical Society. Bennie, with The Malice Green Memorial Shrine began the inspiration of neighborhood shrines fo rjustice of loved ones struck down by racial violence. Helping to set a new historic precedent, for the first time white officers were prosecuted and held account able for unjustly killing a black man. When Israel realized the spiritual value of his life’s story, he decided to write and publish his own book about it. He then was commissioned to paint a large mural of Black heroes on the AAA party store of East Warren in Detroit. Included in his journey are Grand Prize Winner in the First African World Festival in Detroit 1983, and his travels to Philadelphia which included Israel painting a three-story mural as a monument of Mumia Abdul Jamal who was on death row. His mural project had a direct impact on delaying the Mumia execution in 1995. Bennie’s countless awards include Chief of Staff Medal-lion from General C. Powell, commission works by the National Council of Black Women, The Spirit of Detroit Award (s), Wayne County Council for the Arts Artistic Excellence, Men of Excellence Award, and Community Commitment Award (1993). Works of this creative genius include the creation of several US Postal Stamps, Sisters in Struggle: Minister Winnie Mandella, Queen Mother Moore, Mother Rosa Parks, and creating NAACP commissioned portraits of General Colin Powell, Mike Illitch, and Benjamin L. Hooks.

According to Israel, “In every stage of my life, my God given talent to draw pictures came through and made itself present.

”Bennie White Jr. Ethiopia Israel’s, loving dad and father of eight, used his incredible God given talent repeatedly which resulted in helping to effect increased community consciousness and positive social change.

His impression has been left in the hearts and minds of people.