A criminologist named John DiIulio falsely predicted that there would be an explosion of violence caused by young Black men, whom he coined “super predators.”
The Rudiments of ‘SuPre’ is a collection that reflects on how the idea of super predator shapes the violent realities experienced by Black people in the contemporary moment. When exploring mixed media practices to highlight the complexities of this lived experience, work to provide a counter visual that re-sensitizes the audience to Black bodies and Black life. The creation of ‘SuPre,’ a fictional character in my work, helps to challenge the demonization of Black boys as super predators and instead allows them to see themselves as protectors of their communities.
“Flat Lined Before 21 part 1”
6ft x 4ft wood panel, mixed medium, display & LCD screen.
I pay homage to Mike Brown and Trayvon Martin. These unarmed teenage boys murdered and exposed the racial, classed inequality within our society. I bring their images to the forefront so that they will not be forgotten
"Introduction to SuPre"
6ft x 3ft wood panel, mixed medium, display screen.
Super Predator, used to describe young Black boys played a crucial role in mass incarceration and for some validated the school to prison pipeline. The videos show the coverage of "New York Times Super Predator", how mainstream media popularized negative stereotypes of Black youth.
“Flat Lined Before 21 part 2”
6ft x 4ft wood panel, mixed medium, display & LCD screen.
I pay homage to Mike Brown and Trayvon Martin. These unarmed teenage boys murdered and exposed the racial, classed inequality within our society. I bring their images to the forefront so that they will not be forgotten
“I Never Met Them, but They Remind Me of My Family”
6ft x 4ft wood panel, mixed medium, display & LCD screen.
Black women are not spared in unarmed killings in the U.S. This piece remembers Sandra Bland, Korryn Gaines, and Aiyana Jones who lost their lives unjustly. Dedicated to strong women in my family whose shoulders I stand on.
“H2O is a Form of Classism”
6ft x 4ft wood panel, mixed medium, display screen.
This piece brings attention to the water issues in Flint, Michigan. The videos reflect contemporary racialized social and political issues surrounding water and land in low-income neighborhoods.
“They Protesting Again?”
6ft x 4ft wood panel, mixed medium, display & LCD screen.
“Protesting Again” shows the exhaustion that people of color feel protesting. It is my experience that many of us feel like we aren’t being heard and that when it comes to our community’s justice is never served.
“My Son Next?”
6ft x 4ft wood panel, mixed medium, display & LCD screen.
In the piece I honor Tamir Rice and Jordan Davis, both two young Black boys who were murdered unjustly. In the sign, “Is My Son Next?” I’m speaking to the experiences of many Black mothers who have to face the reality that their son may too be taken from them.
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