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.

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.

Winfred Rembert Jr. is an artist, lecturer, and the Executor of the Rembert Estate LLC. During a visit to Paducah, Kentucky, he was honored with the key to the city and the establishment of the Winfred Rembert Jr. Scholarship. In 1992, he received a certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Congress.

He has lectured at museums across the country—including in Flint, Richmond, Hot Springs, Fort Worth, Albany, and New York City—and at academic institutions such as Tufts University, Andrew College, and Worcester State. Locally, his talks have reached audiences at Yale University, Wesleyan, Gateway Community College, NXTHVN, and the Connecticut State Capitol, and he has appeared on CBS This Morning.

Winfred is proudly carrying on the legacy of his father, acclaimed artist Winfred Rembert Sr., by preserving his work and expanding the reach of the Rembert Estate. His efforts continue to elevate conversations around history, art, and cultural identity through both public speaking and creative leadership.

In May, he led a youth initiative in Los Angeles titled Being Unique Is a Gift and recently joined a panel discussion alongside Kate Capshaw (wife of Steven Spielberg).

A passionate comic book collector, Winfred lives in Hamden, Connecticut, with his wife and children.

Tamu Rembert plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of the Rembert Estate, ensuring the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. She oversees logistics, manages personnel and budgets, and coordinates with vendors, logistics providers, and event planners to support the estate’s programs and initiatives.

Tamu also leads and assists with art-on-leather workshops, where she teaches various techniques, prepares materials, maintains creative spaces, and supports event administration. Her hands-on involvement in both creative and operational efforts reflects her versatility and commitment to the estate’s mission.

Beyond her work with the Rembert Estate, Tamu is an active member of the Hamden Chamber of Commerce and serves as co-chair of its Women in Business Network as well as the Chamber Business Networking II (CBN II).

https://hamdenregionalchamber.com/

Her diverse background includes a career as a speech and language therapist and time as a professional volleyball player for Volleyball Club Wattignies in Lille, France. She is fluent in both French and American Sign Language.

Tamu is married to Winfred Rembert Jr., and together they have six children and a grandchild.

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.

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. ​

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.

Gary Rembert is the grandson of renowned American artist Winfred Rembert Sr. and the son of Winfred Rembert II and father to Azriel Rembert. 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.