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Danny Simmons
1953 – 2026
Board Member | October 2014 – June 2026
An Esteemed Advocate for African Art and Culture
The Cultural Museum of African Art remembers Danny Simmons, an accomplished artist, collector, philanthropist, and dedicated supporter of African art and cultural heritage.
Danny Simmons devoted much of his life to the arts. As a painter, poet, author, curator, and collector, he developed a deep appreciation for African and Indigenous artistic traditions. His own artistic work explored themes of ancestry, memory, cultural identity, and the African diaspora, reflecting his enduring connection to African heritage.
He was also a passionate collector of African art and sculpture and a strong advocate for expanding access to the arts. Through his philanthropic and cultural work, including his involvement with the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, he helped create opportunities for young people and emerging artists, particularly those from communities historically underserved by the traditional art world.
From October 2014 through June 2026, Danny served as a valued member of the Board of the Cultural Museum of African Art. For nearly twelve years, he gave his time, knowledge, experience, and continued support to the Museum and its mission of preserving, celebrating, and sharing African art and culture.
His understanding of African art and his lifelong commitment to cultural expression made his service to the Museum especially meaningful. He understood the importance of preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that African art and history remain accessible to future generations.
The Museum is deeply grateful for Danny Simmons’ years of service, his support, and his commitment to the preservation and celebration of African culture.
We honor his remarkable artistic legacy and remember him with gratitude for the lasting contribution he made to the Cultural Museum of African Art.
May his legacy continue to inspire artists, collectors, and generations to come.
Danny Simmons Bio by Dr Eric Edwards
I met Danny in the Summer of 1997. My brother, Milton, an artist & musician met Danny at a local house art gallery event in Clinton Hill Brooklyn. He struck up a conversation with Danny on one of the art renderings in the exhibition. By chance that conversation straddled the subject of African art. Milton told Danny that if he wanted to discuss African Art, that he must meet his brother. The next day I heard from Danny, I invited him to visit me, we only lived a block from each other! Danny came over excited to meet another African art lover. We hit it off instantly, which resulted in my exchanging an old fine African Bambara pipe from Mali, with a beautiful enchanting painting of Danny’s. From that point onward we became close friends. Amazingly the more we collaborated in thoughts we both discovered that we had so many common interests, and an incredible love of Africa and its art, which inspired both of us. Out of that friendship we browsed art galleries, dealerships which led us in establishing a Parentship “Edwards and Simmons”. Since we both had a vociferous appetite for African art pieces, never wanting to part with our own; we said that we could jointly purchase pieces for the gallery, then sell those pieces for profit, never touching our own. That worked well for a few years, but inevitably we had items in the joint venture we decided we wanted to individually move to our own collections, so there was nothing left to sell! We both laughed about that. It was fun. Danny was an incredibly intelligent person, very quick with creative ideas, and quick with numbers. Most of all he was an incredible caring friend. My entire family loved him, he became a member. He was a great advisor, and he also took advice that he thought mattered. We shared many numerous and private conversations. There are many things stated that I cannot ever divulge. Danny was a big bear with a teddy bear’s heart. He was a giver and tried to help everybody. Boy, those 4 th of July parties on his roof at 334 Grand Avenue have become legend. He invited everyone. One hot Summer 4 th there were so many people dancing on the roof, I was afraid it would collapse, I discussed it with Danny, but I am the first to say that it was magic. I spoke to Danny days before he left to be with the ancestors. While I was fighting to hold back the tears, I said something to him to make him laugh. He erupted in that one-of-akind heartfelt laughs that only Danny had. That is what I remember, and will always.