At the end of the year in 2024, I was in a completely new environment, isolated from all of what I once knew. In hindsight, I knew it would be the best outcome for my growth as a person and artist. However, it left me pondering on who I am as a person, and if I truly stick to the things I say I desire for myself and my community. At that moment I came to a revelation on how I wanted to use my gifts for others. I have deep love for research and education, and deeply value conversations that feed into my curiosity of the world. Moreover, my goal in creating art goes deeper than making cool-looking things. I enjoy the art of storytelling and visual narration. And having the ability to combine all of these passions and ideas became so clear to me.

Even before the banning of books and recent issues within the Department of Education, I found a sense of urgency in gathering and being aware of our history. Especially as we enter a more digital age and time of reliance on systems beyond our abilities. This led me in the direction of a time-period I have always had a great appreciation and awe for, The Harlem Renaissance. During the aftermath of The Great Migration, African Americans had to build their economic, cultural, and educational stature from the ground up. While in the midst of active segregation, racism/prejudice, and constant “legal” obstacles. Making it nearly impossible to establish themselves in the booming and uprising North. However, it was done in a manner never seen at that point in history.

Then three points dawned on me, the first, the ability to create a name and voice for your community not yourself was a common thought. It wasn’t “How can I serve myself?”, but “How can I build a solid stable community for my people and by my people?”. While of course, people have alternative motives like power, pride, and ego. During that time, reliance on each other wasn’t a matter of choice but survival. The second point, do we have that same desire for connection? Are we searching and going out of our way to serve and better one another? Or is it just every man for himself? And my final point, who is documenting the times we live in? A simple look at what our predecessors were asking for would show eerily accurate parallels in our demands today.

This lead me to find people during the Harlem Renaissance that are not as commonly known, and aligned with my three pillars of Community, Connection, and Communication (Documentation).