In my AP Language class, after reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, I conducted research on the Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation issue in our world to create argumentative papers and creative tasks. Throughout my research, I discovered the common mistakes that people , make when appropriating and the full effect that it has on not only my culture, but that of others. The most interesting thing that I found was an entire holiday in the Netherlands built on black face or the character "Black Pete" and how the government is not doing anything about it. I also spoke with Tyia Burns who shared some insights on how these issues are affects her college life and her experience with appropriation.

After research was concluded, I wrote in depth argumentative papers on the subject. My final position for the paper was although many appropriate cultures without fully knowing the negative impact of their actions, there is a thin line between the appropriation and appreciation of a culture. I supported this position through arguing about how our ancestors past choices still effect cultures today, more specifically how white culture takes from other cultures to be a "trend " or something "fun."

To complete the project, I chose to create a wood cut adaptation of a picture I drew because it is a powerful take on first hand appropriating. I first brainstormed and sketched out some ideas. In my final product I will have my drawing on a cut piece of wood with powerful words to prevent this ongoing issue. In the picture below is a sketch for the final wood burn design, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was not able to start the wood burning project. I incorporated STEAM skills by using engineering and arts along with language to convey a powerful message to the world.