Black History in Focus With 2 New Exhibits in DC Paintings of African-American history from slavery to suburban life by artist Kerry James Marshall and portraits of the Rev. Martin Luther King's rise to prominence will help mark the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington this year. The National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery of Art are both opening exhibits Friday focused on black history to commemorate the pivotal moment when King declared, "I have a dream." The National Gallery brought together paintings by Marshall for the artist's first solo exhibition in Washington. Curator James Meyer says it captures the American dream from a black perspective. At the Portrait Gallery, Curator Ann Shumard says King is often remembered for his most famous speech. But she set out to show the trajectory of his entire career in photographs.