Rebuilding The Black Family by Kevin "WAK" Williams shows a family working together to build and hold their home, a picture of unity, protection and shared purpose. Collectors ask for it because it turns a hope many families carry into a single image, and it hangs as a statement of what the household stands for.
It is one of the most requested pieces at our counter. Here is what draws people to it, plus the artist behind it. See the full collection of Kevin Williams WAK art.
Key takeaways
- A family-centered image about unity, strength and building together.
- Painted by Kevin A. Williams, who signs as WAK.
- Available in several formats; check each listing for edition details.
- Often given as a wedding, housewarming or Father's Day gift.
- Hangs best in a family room, entry or dining room.
Who WAK is
Kevin A. Williams, known as WAK, is a self-taught artist and Chicago native now based in Atlanta. His WAK Artistry line began in 1995 with the print Taking Her Back, followed by a Black Love series. He describes his style as emotional, drawn from life experience. His work has appeared on the TV series Law & Order and Soul Food.
What the image means
The work centers the family as builders: parents and children working side by side, each with a role. It speaks to repair, responsibility and pride, and to the idea that a strong family is built on purpose, not by accident. That message is why it is so often bought for a new home or a new marriage.
Formats and editions
WAK's catalog includes open edition prints, signed limited editions and hand-embellished giclees on canvas, many in editions of 25. Each listing in our store states the format, size and edition so you can compare. Our WAK pieces range roughly from $250 to $3,000 depending on format.
Where to hang it
Choose a wall where the family gathers. In a family room or over a dining sideboard, a large canvas becomes the center of the room. A framed paper edition works well in an entry hall, where guests see it first.
Pairing it with other family art
Collectors often build a family wall around it with pieces such as CBabi Bayoc's Daddy's Love or Salaam Muhammad's Family Hues. See our Black family art collection for more.
Why canvas suits this image
On canvas, a family scene reads like a painting and anchors the room. Many WAK canvases are hand embellished, so highlights differ from piece to piece.
Caring for a WAK canvas
Dust lightly with a soft brush, avoid direct sun and never use water. A floater frame finishes the edge without covering the surface.
Building a family wall around it
Because Rebuilding The Black Family carries such a clear message, it works as the anchor of a family wall. Add smaller pieces that echo the theme: a father with a child, a mother at the table, grandparents with grandchildren. Frame them in the same moulding so the wall reads as one story, with the WAK piece at the center.
Choosing the size
Measure the wall before choosing a format. Over a sofa or sideboard, a canvas about two thirds the width of the furniture looks balanced. In an entry hall, a medium framed paper edition is easier to see up close and leaves space for a mirror or console.
Frequently asked questions
Who painted Rebuilding The Black Family?
Kevin A. Williams, the artist known as WAK.
Is Rebuilding The Black Family a limited edition?
It is offered in more than one format. Each listing states whether it is open or limited and the edition size.
Is it a good wedding gift?
Yes. Its message of building a family together makes it a popular wedding and housewarming gift.
See it in person
Visit ATL Collectibles & Custom Framing at The Mall at Stonecrest, Lithonia, GA, or shop Kevin Williams WAK art online.
