Artist Statement

In my work as a visual storyteller, I strive to capture the intricate tapestry of the black experience in America. My photography is rooted in the tradition of black documentary aesthetics and fine art, intertwining personal stories with broader social issues to create a powerful commentary on our times.

Before I began my photography journey, I had a transformative dream that set the course for my work. I saw four black boys rising from the ground of Historic Barry Farms in Washington, DC. Their eyes were a striking royal blue, and they spoke in an unfamiliar language. They handed me a camera, as if bestowing upon me a profound responsibility, and then returned to the earth. This vision felt like a divine assignment, guiding me to visually explore the innocence, dignity, and resilience of black boys in my community.

I am deeply committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented and marginalized communities, using my lens to explore themes of systemic racism, economic inequality, and the resilience of black communities. My approach, grounded in critical compassion, ensures that each frame not only documents the realities faced by my subjects but also celebrates their strength, dignity, and humanity.

Having experienced incarceration as a youth, my work focuses on preventive justice, aiming to support young people and advocate for systemic change. I engage deeply with my subjects and their environments, focusing on the narratives of those within my own community in Washington, DC. This reflects my dedication to speaking for and with my people, drawing from my own lived reality to inform and inspire my art.

Through visual storytelling, I aim to foster empathy, provoke thought, and inspire action. Photography, for me, is a powerful tool for social justice—a means to document truth, challenge perceptions, and advocate for change. It is my hope that through my work, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the black experience and join in the collective effort to create a more just and equitable world.