Derrick’s Art
“Her Dignity”
I like to let my art speak to me and its admirers individually. After completing and reflecting on this piece, I titled it “Her-Dignity.” The yellow, to me, indicates a natural glow that surrounds black women who embody strength and power (Her-Dignity). She does not wait for acknowledgement, affirmation, or respect, but she demands it--as she knows her worth (Her-Dignity). She does not behave according to socially acceptable conventions or standards by straightening her hair to conform with rules that belittle and strip her natural identity (Her-Dignity). She’s obviously proud. My goodness, Her-Dignity!
“Black & Thirsty”
“Mr. Young, I’m thirsty and it’s so hot!” I co-taught a nearly all black pre-k summer school class at Oliver Holmes Elementary in Boston a couple years back. I recall myself and my students becoming drenched in sweat by mid-day because we did not have air conditioning. The thirst came before and long after the mid-day heat however.
We could not drink water from the fountains or sinks due to lead. So we made frequent visits to the water jug to fill water bottles. It hurt me deeply that the students’ discomfort and thirst halted their ability and time to learn, and simply be comfortable like the children four miles away.
I painted “Black and Thirsty” to bring awareness that over 1.2 million children in the US have lead poisoning. Majority of cases are in poor and minority communities. Even the smallest amount of lead can alter a child’s IQ and cause permanent neurological damage. #WaterCrisis
“Flower Boy”
The Flower Boy. 🌻
I created this painting to combat toxic masculinity. This idea that men can’t live bright loving lives running through flower fields to celebrate happiness. Our hyper masculinity culture restricts positive and vulnerable emotions. It restrains men from feeling the humanity and sensitivities in themselves and others, like women, children, gay men, and even other straight men. Also, it stops many gay men from living their truth. This culture doesn’t allow men to genuinely love ourselves or others. So, I’m here today to say, it’s dope to be the Flower Boy.
