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Winfred Rembert
Winfred Rembert (1945–2021) was an American artist celebrated for his vibrant, autobiographical leather paintings. Born in Cuthbert, Georgia, he endured the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South, including imprisonment and a near-lynching. While incarcerated, he learned to tool leather, later using it to depict scenes from his youth—cotton fields, juke joints, and chain gangs. His posthumous memoir Chasing Me to My Grave won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Biography. Rembert’s work preserves a powerful, personal account of Black life and resilience in the segregated South.
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Patsy Winfred
Patsy Rembert is the wife of the late artist Winfred Rembert and a central figure in his life story and artistic journey. They met while Winfred was imprisoned in Georgia, and after years of writing letters to each other, they married in 1974 following his release. The couple settled in New Haven, Connecticut, where they raised eight children. Patsy worked as a youth advocate and community leader, but her most enduring impact came through her unwavering support for Winfred’s creative work.
Recognizing his talent and the power of his life story, Patsy encouraged Winfred to use leather tooling—a skill he learned in prison—to tell his story through art. Her belief in his vision helped propel his career and bring national attention to his vivid depictions of life in the Jim Crow South. Patsy also contributed to his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Chasing Me to My Grave, and continues to share their shared legacy through public speaking and storytelling.
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Winfred Rembert Jr.
Winfred Rembert Jr is a local artist, motivational speaker and Executor of the Rembert Estate LLC. He began delivering motivational speeches at 16 years old while visiting Paducah, Kentucky. There he subsequently received Paducah's key to the city. Paducah also awarded the Winfred Rembert Jr scholarship to a deserving high school student. In 1992, Winfred received a certificate of appreciation from congress.
Winfred has spoken at museums in Flint, Michigan; Richmond, Virginia; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Fort Worth, Texas; Albany, Georgia and New York, New York. Colleges Winfred has spoken at include: Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia; Tufts University and Wooster State Massachusetts.
Locally he has spoken at Yale University, CBS This Morning, CT State Capitol, Wesleyan University, Gateway Community College’s groundbreaking ceremony and NXTHVN Art Center. Recently Winfred has participated in several panel discussions, including sharing the stage with Kate Capshaw. This past May he conducted a learning initiative for youth in downtown Los Angeles with a theme of “Being Unique Is a Gift.”
Winfred is an avid comic book collector. He lives in Hamden, CT with his wife and children.
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Tamu Rembert
Tamu ensures the company runs smoothly and efficiently by managing logistics and operational facets. She also manages personnel and budgets. Tamu coordinates with logistics providers, vendors, and event planners. She also conducts (art on leather) art workshops. Her role includes either leading or assisting with art classes and workshops, teaching various art techniques, preparing materials, maintaining the space, and assisting with administrative tasks. Tamu is an active member of the Hamden Chamber of Commerce. She serves as co-chair for their women in business network group. She is a former speech and language therapist. Tamu is also a former professional volleyball player, Having played for Volleyball Club Wattignies in Lille, France. She communicates in French and American Sign Language. Tamu is the wife of Winfred Rembert Jr. Together, they have 6 children.
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Patrick Rembert
Patrick Rembert is the youngest son of the acclaimed artist and storyteller Winfred Rembert and his wife Patsy Rembert. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, he grew up deeply connected to his father's legacy of resilience, creativity, and civil rights advocacy. Now 38 years old, Patrick has forged his own path as a security officer, comedian, and public speaker.
In addition to his career in security, Patrick uses humor and storytelling to inspire audiences at art shows, museums, and college campuses. His talks often weave together lessons from his family's history with messages of perseverance and hope. As the company liaison to the Winfred Rembert Estate, he plays a vital role in preserving and promoting his father's powerful legacy, ensuring that Winfred Rembert Sr.'s life story continues to educate and move future generations.
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Lillian Rembert
Named after her paternal great-aunt, Lillian has been instrumental in preserving her father's legacy. She has actively participated in discussions and events honoring Winfred Sr.'s life and work, often reflecting on the profound impact of his art and experiences. She was featured in an article discussing her father's posthumous Pulitzer Prize.
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Winfred Rembert III
Winfred Rembert III is the grandson of celebrated artist and civil rights storyteller Winfred Rembert Sr. Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Winfred III spent most of his life surrounded by the powerful legacy of his grandfather’s art and activism. He graduated with his undergraduate degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Virginia.
Winfred III’s academic and professional work focuses on the study of how institutional forms of racism continue to impact companies and organizations today. Deeply inspired by his grandfather’s life and storytelling through art, he draws connections between historical injustices and present-day systemic challenges. His research and advocacy are fueled by a desire to carry forward his family's legacy of resilience and change.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Winfred Rembert III serves as a liaison, company speaker, and public figure for the Winfred Rembert Estate. Through speaking engagements, exhibitions, and educational outreach, he helps share his grandfather’s powerful narrative with new generations, ensuring that the spirit of Winfred Rembert Sr.'s life and work continues to inspire progress and reflection.
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Gary Rembert
Gary Rembert is the grandson of renowned American artist Winfred Rembert Sr. and the son of Winfred Rembert II. Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Gary is deeply connected to his family’s legacy of artistic excellence, resilience, and storytelling.
A graduate of Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School in New Haven, Gary has continued to build a meaningful career rooted in education and community engagement. He currently works for both Quinnipiac University and Yale University, contributing to academic and cultural initiatives. In addition to his professional roles, Gary serves as a liaison and spokesperson for the Winfred Rembert Estate, helping to preserve and promote the enduring impact of his grandfather’s life and work. Through his efforts, Gary Rembert proudly carries forward the family's commitment to education, art, and social change.