“Black Education was a fugitive project from its inception — outlawed and defined as a criminal act regarding the slave population in the southern states and, at times, too, an object of suspicion and violent resistance in the North.” (Carter G. Woodson)
I believe art education is not only about technique and creativity, but also about truth-telling, resistance, and liberation. This quote reflects how access to knowledge and self-expression has long been seen as a dangerous act by those in power. Just like education, art has always been a radical act. Especially for Black people and other marginalized communities. Throughout U.S. history, art allowed people to share their truths, preserve their histories, and dream of freedom, without using words. It was and still is a way to speak when speaking was not allowed. It gives voice to stories that challenge dominant narratives. It invites empathy, sparks dialogue, and makes visible what others try to erase. In my classroom, I aim to honor that tradition. I teach art as a powerful language of identity and resistance. My students will not only learn about color, form, and technique, but they will also learn that their perspectives matter. Through their art, they can tell their truths, process their experiences, and participate in shaping their culture and or history. Teaching art as an artist is my way of continuing the legacy of using creativity to challenge systems and uplift voices that should be heard.
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