Betsy Graves Reyneau: A Pioneer of Portraiture and Civil Rights Advocacy Betsy Graves Reyneau (1888–1964) stands as a remarkable figure in American art history, celebrated primarily for her poignant portraits of African Americans—a genre largely unexplored during her time—and her unwavering commitment to the burgeoning civil rights movement. Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, Reyneau defied societal expectations and familial disapproval to pursue her artistic ambitions, embarking on a journey that would ultimately solidify her legacy as both an accomplished painter and a courageous champion for…