"Because they don't wanna SEE A BLACK MAN MAKE IT" I emphatically say on the phone to one of my best friends, William Spruill. After a couple of seconds of silence we bust out laughing and continue discussing the creative projects we're working on. I mentioned that I wrote a blog post for a non-profit about a pioneering Doctor in light of Black History Month and that I need to give my own blog some attention. I think Black History Month is important but oddly serves as a reminder of how far American society has to go in regards to diversity and inclusion.
Like most calls I have with Will, the topic of "alternative blackness" came up. I reflected heavily on my bitterness towards community art opportunities being very sterile and void of originality. While I don't think there is a place for my work, I owe it to myself to apply to opportunities so that I can end the destructive habit of denying myself opportunities by not applying. Simply put, I gotta be my biggest advocate. I have been in a creative groove lately but most importantly, I've been working on my goal of applying/pursuing at least 300 opportunities in the year 2024. Opportunities that involve comics, public art, publication submissions, and galleries will be a huge focal point of this year.
To my surprise this comic I did about Black history Month had lots of folks ticked (which is great) but I wondered if they knew why. It tickled me too so I decided to share it to my instagram. I'm not sure exactly what I was trying to say with this one but I think I wanted to to side eye performative blackness. Don't get it twisted, I think black expression is beautiful and needed. I just don't like only getting opportunities due to my ethnicity. I just feel exploited and overlooked.
I'm moving to Denver from Englewood in a week so bare with me as I get new prints ready for my website and embark on productive year. I have lots of thumbnails ready to manifest themselves into paintings. Only to have a collection of paintings ready to manifest into some sort of exhibit. As always, I'm putting on for the Blerds.
Stay "toon'd"