Awesome Black Creativity

A groundbreaking, full-color celebration of Black creativity and cultural impact—told through expressive LEGO® sculptures and compelling biographical storytelling. Based on an award-winning, museum-exhibited art project, Awesome Black Creativity invites readers of all ages to explore an A–Z gallery of Black icons whose contributions shaped culture, community, and history.

Awesome Black Creativity is a stunning visual tribute to the artists, activists, athletes, thinkers, and trailblazers whose influence continues to shape our world. Each entry pairs a richly photographed LEGO® portrait—crafted by LEGO Masters (USA) alumnus and award-winning artist Dave Kaleta—with an accessible, insightful biography written by Brooklyn-based cultural journalist Richard Dryden.

Originally launched as a 26-week creative collaboration on Instagram, the ABC project quickly gained national attention. It won Best Artwork at Brickworld Chicago 2022, toured as a traveling museum exhibit across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in partnership with the DuPage Children’s Museum, and earned recognition from cultural institutions, celebrities, and even the Estate of Nina Simone. Support from figures like Questlove helped propel the project into the spotlight as an innovative, heartfelt intersection of Black culture and LEGO artistry.

This book continues that journey—offering readers a beautifully designed, deeply meaningful collection that honors Black creativity across generations. From Kehinde Wiley to Marsha P. Johnson, Gordon Parks to Serena and Venus Williams, each portrait invites reflection, celebration, and conversation. It is a book meant for homes, classrooms, libraries, museums, and anyone inspired by the idea that creativity can build bridges.

Richard Dryden is a writer and DJ from Brooklyn, New York. He has written about music, fashion, and Black culture for outlets such as Complex, The FADER, AFROPUNK, Office, VICE, LargeUp, and Okayplayer, and has performed as DJ Treats at fundraisers, museums, galleries, and events featured in VOGUE. His love of building LEGO sets led to writing about LEGO and competing on LEGO Masters in 2021. He also works across the entertainment industry, from managing public relations at With Love PR to serving as an associate producer on the New York Jamaican dancehall documentary 15th Parish, and has collaborated with The LEGO Group as a brand ambassador.

Dave Kaleta is an award-winning LEGO® artist whose creations have appeared in books, museums, and fan conventions worldwide. His work has been featured by NPR, CNET, the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), and major LEGO® fan networks. With over 40 years of creative experience, Dave’s “Miniland Plus” character style brings emotional nuance and artistic depth to LEGO® portraiture.

• Publisher: No Starch Press
  
• Publish Date: August 11, 2026
  
• Pages: 176
  
• Language: nglish
  
• Type: Hardcover
• EAN/UPC: 9781718504943
  
• Dimensions: 9.0 X 9.0 X 0.0 inches | 0.8 pounds
  
• BISAC Categories: Arts & Hobbies, History, Biography & Memoir