02/03/2026
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE:
CELEBRATING THE LIVES AND VOICES
“Embracing the complexities of language, I'm wary of terms like 'artist,' 'integrity,' 'courage,' and 'nobility,' not because they hold no meaning, but because their significance is often obscured by ambiguity, much like concepts such as 'democracy,' 'peace,' and 'integration.'
Yet, it's clear that these words strive to capture something profoundly real, a truth that transcends the imperfection of language. Whether I'm comfortable with it or not, I'm compelled to acknowledge the role I play as an artist, and I recognize the tangible existence of integrity, nobility, and courage.
The challenge lies not in the words themselves, but in the choices we make every day to uphold the realities they represent, realities that are shaped by our collective beliefs and actions.”