Master’s thesis statement:

Navigating this institution as a dark-skinned Black woman has reinforced the realities of how society perceives me. My appearance, my existence, my presence, my intellect, and visual art—which all depict the many nuances and facets of me, means that I am often misunderstood, or simply tolerated out of preconceived notions. While others choose to simply overlook me altogether, there are a select few who truly appreciate and love who I am and what I have to offer. Thankful for the later.

To be put under a microscope, and periodically mistaken for another Black woman on campus, I am forced to first confront and recognize the microaggressions, the misogynoir, then my art. I have done the work, I have lived it, and I will continue to reject the institutional structures and entities who seek to erase or disregard me, and my contributions.

These experiences have greatly influenced and shaped not only my practice, but who I have grown to become during my time at CAA. This statement is not meant to sugarcoat the truth, but rather expose it. If my words make you uncomfortable, then perhaps it’s time to confront the uncomfortable truths that have long existed for Black women who look like me–perhaps it’s time to confront the biases that exist within you.