I create work that depicts/represents the aspects that make up who I am. Whether it be my loved ones, my appearance, the food I eat, the music I listen to, the experiences I’ve had, and the two communities I come from. I fully embrace both my Hispanic and Black background throughout my everyday life as I do within my art. Sadly, both are fighting against racism and discrimination which is highlighted in my work. Instead of expressing anger and frustration, this causes my work to focus on the many questions that lead with “why”. Why is my hair texture deemed inappropriate? Why is my skin color not considered beautiful? By providing new dialog to old conversations that have been muted by society, my work requests that the viewer reflects on and questions the morality of their own observations and experiences. And just as importantly, this work celebrates my culture and the characteristics of the Black and Hispanic communities through appreciation and thoughtful criticism. My goal is to empower my community. My work shows how those who make up my community are worthy.