Brushstrokes and Markers: Understanding Racism, Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Through Art. This item is unavailable.Brushstrokes and Markers: Understanding Racism, Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Through Art

My paintings are a result of George Floyd's murder in 2020. I was so shaken; I knew I had to do something. I joined a group called Caste Action Alliance. CAA is a group dedicated to rising up for social and restorative justice. The members are committed to addressing the wide educational disparities experienced by Black youth in America resulting from inter-generational systemic inequities and inequalities. We set up a scholarship fund to fulfill this goal. The name of our group is based on Isabel Wilkerson's book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, a book we were required to read. One of our actions was to give away Wilkerson's book to as many people as possible. Another goal was to educate ourselves about Black history. We performed many anti-racists activities and attended many anti-racists events. We read and discussed tons of books. As a result of all the books, podcasts, and on-line images I saw, I decided to take a chance and release them onto canvasses. Some paintings vividly depict the horrors of slavery and others are more hopeful. All have stories to educate others. Equality, inclusion and diversity are important themes which play out on my canvasses and ribbons of hope and joy find their way to the pages.