Dana Chandler

Dana C. Chandler, Jr., also known as Akin Duro, (April 7, 1941 – June 9, 2025), is a Black Power artist, activist and Professor Emeritus at Simmons University.

Dana Chandler
Born	Dana C. Chandler, Jr. (1941-04-07) April 7, 1941 (age 84) Lynn, Massachusetts U.S. death date 2025, 06, 25
Other names	Akin Duro
Occupation(s)	Artist Professor
Years active	1970-present

Early life and education

Chandler was born in Lynn, Massachusetts. He grew up in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston.^[1]

Chandler was educated in Boston Public Schools. From an early age he began fighting for social justice using art as a tool for change. He was awarded the National Scholastic Art Award for all four years of his high school career, at Boston's Technical High School as well as the school's first annual Art Award in 1959. It was at this time that he joined the NAACP in the black integrationist movement. Chandler was influential on many artists including Gary Rickson.^[2]

In 1967, Chandler received a B.S. in Teacher Education from the Massachusetts College of Art.

Career

Chandler was a part of the black integrationist movement in Boston, using art for social justice and human rights.^[3][4][5]

In 1971, Chandler was hired as an assistant professor at Simmons University. He retired in May 2004.