“Functionalism” as I define it for my works, is that creative work which has meaning, substance, life quality and truth for the creator as well as the beholder, whether Black or white.  My definition I believe, is strengthened mainly by my interest and study of African art.

I think it is necessary that the BLACK ARTIST relate experiences which he himself has experienced in order to create symbols that are a part of his existence.  Those experiences which are ugly and grotesque, as well as those which are warm and beautiful, must be created by the artist in visual terms. 

Charles Young was born in 1930 in New York City and attended Hampton University, VA where he received a B.A. in art education and social science.  He went on to attend New York University where he trained with Hale Woodruff.  From there, he studied painting and printmaking at Catholic University, Washington DC.  

Young was an educator in New Jersey public schools, and taught art at several institutions, including Federal City College, Washington D.C. where he was chairman of the art department.

His work has been featured in solo exhibitions at North Carolina State University, Fayetteville, NC, 1960, 1962; A & I State University, Nashville, TN, 1964; Agra Gallery, Washington DC, 1972; and Smith-Mason Gallery of Art, Washington DC, 1969.

He often participated in exhibitions with Alma Thomas, Sam Gilliam, and Kenneth Young in the Washington DC area and was featured additionally in Black Artists/South, Huntsville Museum of Art, AL, 1979; and shows at Emory University, GA; and the Richmond Museum of Art, VA.