Artist Statement

I am a multi-hyphenate artist…

I am an author artist. I harness the literary arts as a tool to preserve our history, amplify the untold stories of the African diaspora, and model inclusive leadership to advance social change.

My literary expression deftly puts the past in context with the present.  I strategically elevate the narratives of the African diaspora that are a source of inspiration and strength and deepen cultural preservation.  I tell the stories of our unique, brave leaders who dared to challenge social norms and unjust systems and answered the call to be bold and courageous. Their lived journeys serve as roadmaps for our experience today.   

The books I craft help us understand the challenges of our collective, the tools we have and the future we can inspire and build. When I tell the story, I focus on the leadership skills demonstrated by the heroes who faced challenges and doubts.   For the sheroes, I lean into the ways they inspired others to be courageous, how they broke down barriers, and how their courage shaped and influenced our culture.  

As an author artist, I center the stories that readers need to see themselves and explore their identity. I elevate stories that demonstrate tools for readers to author their own lives. The stories serve as an access point to see leadership in action, understand emotions, and build confidence.

And I plant the subtle, yet powerful seed, that reading is healing.  Reading is joy.  Reading is peace.  Most of all, reading is leading.

My readers build a sense of agency and confidence.  Confidence that any challenge can be approached with the skills their community has empowered them with.

I am grateful to be able to choose how I author my life and how I am able to bring others along on this journey. As an author artist, I commit to learning from these leaders so I can be a source of impact and change.

As a photographer…

My photography is not just about capturing images; it's about telling powerful stories of cultural identity and heritage. Drawing from my extensive travels across Africa and my deep connection to my roots, I weave together narratives that resonate with authenticity and depth. Each photograph serves as a window into a rich and vibrant history, inviting viewers to embark on a visual journey from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to the present day.

In my exhibition "Afro-Futurism: I am, I was, I will be," I channel the spirit of a lioness, fearlessly sharing stories that have often been overlooked or misrepresented. Through my lens, I offer a fresh perspective on history, challenging conventional narratives and amplifying voices that have long been silenced. As the Zimbabwean proverb goes, "Until the Lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the Hunter."

My photography embodies this ethos, empowering individuals to reclaim their stories and celebrate the resilience and beauty of Mama Africa.