The Activist

As an Activist, my advocacy is centered on accessibility to art and design education for marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Statement of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

From childhood into adulthood, I’ve always found myself as the F.O.D.—the First, the Only, or the one who’s Different. The First in my family to pursue graduate studies. The Only Black and openly gay full-time faculty member. The person who, until recent years, felt odd being “Different” because my creative voice resonated most in the spaces of multidisciplinarity. Through these experiences, I learned something that forever changed my life - Discomfort prompts us to take action.

I was a student who didn’t go to a specialized art school. Nor did I see art teachers who looked like me and created in the way that I wanted to create. The lack of representation often made me question my ability and worth as a student, artist, and person. These experiences were the catalyst that formed the foundation of my advocacy. I wholeheartedly believe that equitable Art & Design education should also be accessible to marginalized and under-resourced communities. These creative voices deserve to be lauded but are often silenced due to many barriers, two of which are inaccess to information and inaccess to representation. As such, I apply my experiences and values into my practice by:

– Advocating for diverse, equitable, and inclusive classroom spaces, learning environments, faculty, and administration.
– Introducing Art & Design careers to K–12 students by supporting and expanding upon STEAM educational initiatives.
– Championing for more career-oriented support, guidance, and mentorship to be available and accessible for marginalized and under-resourced students.
– Bridging comprehension gaps by explaining creative industries and professions more effectively to parents and institutions in the hopes of cultivating support systems for kids interested in Art & Design.

I’m thankful to say I’ve become what I didn’t have. I’ve also learned that my role is not solely being an artist, designer, nor educator. Rather, the many intersected threads of my identity remind me that I am a reflection of many communities and an eternal advocate for equitable representation, inclusion, protection, and amplification of diverse voices. In short, a bridge builder.

It is my life practice to lead with empathy, lean into grace often, and to be a lifelong learner of human experiences. My hope is that every person who identifies as a F.O.D. has a seat at the table of their choice. Through my commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, my intent is that they are no longer the first, the only, nor othered for being different. Rather, that they are welcomed, heard, encouraged, and supported.