Racial Justice Poster Project

Artist Statement 

When reflecting on the message I wanted to offer with the 2023 Akonadi Racial Justice Poster design I drew from my experience as a diasporic Black woman. I’ve always been inspired by the life radiating from my people. All the spirit and creativity despite living within a system that seeks to destroy us. 

I thought of Black and Brown children in all their glory and joy. The richness of their soul, and the truth they embody. I wanted to center them in the image surrounded by California poppies and a sunflower, native plant medicine. Remembering our connection to the land.

I thought of the Black elders around me growing up, who kept gardens, grew collard greens and saved seeds. That ancient knowing of how to take care of the land and nourish the people. How important it is to connect with our elders, remember traditional ways, and create intergenerational spaces to thrive.

I thought about Black cowboys and cowgirls, and how my father always told me that Black and Indigenous people are the original horse people. And how those traditions carry on here in Oakland and the Bay Area. I used Black horsewoman and Oakland native Brianna Noble with one of her horses as a portrait in the image.

What I’ve noticed all these years that I’ve dedicated to liberation is that we hold so much space and inquiry for our suffering and lack. And that’s real, because there is so much injustice that needs to be exposed. However, the intention behind my work is not just to highlight our oppression, but to shine light on our gifts and possibilities. I want us to see ourselves from a space of soulful abundance, and to move, and resist and succeed from that space as infinite powerful beings.