Looking Back To Find A Way Forward

Comparing these statements takes breaking them down to their most basic form to find similarities and differences. In each, the subject is negatively affected by the verbs. In the original, lynching results in the end of the man’s life, and any actionable response is too late for the deceased.

In my response, and perhaps a causal point to the problem, exploitation can happen repeatedly to the individual Black woman. This miscalculation of ability because being denied equal pay and opportunities for advancement result in a generationally compromised self-worth. Society historically fails to credit Black women’s achievements. We, as Black women, have been taught that exploitation is commonplace and to overcome this one must overachieve to get a fighting chance at meritocracy. This veiled existential death by a thousand cuts has had a significant effect on the foundational pillar of the Black family, its psychology and how others see and perceive Black Americans.

Timing is an important factor to consider in these statements as well. Both imply that the action took place in the past, but the relative proximity to the present is what is at stake. The need for action is now. The need for this statement to exist as editions cannot be underestimated. The power an individual can have in owning this message helps fund the solution both by investing in the growth and expansion of a Black female owned business and by reminding the collector to work toward equity. 

Part of my resilience as a Black woman lies in the fact that I, too, have overcome being exploited countless times and have managed to walk away with dignity and a vision. I recognize this as a shared attribute among my gender and race. Contributions Black women make to society are easy to identify, but their presence is grotesquely absent atop industry leadership and in decision-making roles. My goal in making this print available is to fund the growth of my collaborative art practice and to lead by example.

I am an expert, fine art screenprinter because of exceptional educational and professional apprenticeship opportunities. That along with absorbing the professional knowledge of my family in the fields of chemistry, journalism, and social work are why I find sharing this message more pressing now than ever.

Structure opportunities for improvement: The tension brought to light in this artwork aims to clarify solutions to a broken society.