This cause is to empower and education marginalized communities using visual art. My daily life, as a research coordinator and painter is focused on conducting research that can help improve the public health of excluded groups. My artwork uses public health research and exploration of blackness as the base argument that defining and understand blackness in terms of a racial construct is imperative to improving the health of marginalized and excluded groups, who most often are Black and Brown people. By conducting research and education I hope to increase Black and Brown peoples skillset and confidence to speak and act toward improving our lives. For those who do not identify as Black and/or Brown to be informed and emboldened to act in solidarity with my communities and the research and experiences presented in my work.
I will use this space to conduct an exhibit of my most current works that informs the audience on possible basis of the Black identity specifically and how this definition of identity can be used to shift the public health system. Currently, this system greatly prioritizes reactionary interventions to health issues such as substance abuse, nutrition, education, and housing with the burden often being placed on individuals and families to navigate and solve problems opposed to the greater community and governments that have the infrastructure and resources to do so. The exhibit will utilize multimedia works to walk viewers through education and questioning of the current system with the goal of empowerment and education. This event will also leave viewers with a resource packet and connection to online guide for more educational and action centered resources,
Peerspace is on a mission to bring people together. We believe it is impossible to achieve that goal unless we also fight for equality and access to resources in the communities we serve.
Having a space to gather, create, and exchange ideas is an important part of any movement. In order to magnify voices that are often quieted, Peerspace will sponsor venues for people who challenge prejudice and fight for social justice and equality.
Each quarter, we will sponsor space for three projects that are relevant to our community. These projects can range from fundraisers and educational initiatives to art exhibits and photo series.
