Below is an article I wrote discussing how different forms of art has been used by Black people in America to combat terrorism in America as a result of slavery and Jim Crow laws. This is the first installment in a series of articles and interviews on this topic. The highlight of the article is an interview with 22-year-old upcoming artist Sherice Greene.

This article discusses key terms such as:

Terrorism: the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims

Activist: a person who campaigns for some kind of social change.

Activism: consists of efforts to promote, impede, or direct social, political, economic, or environmental change. With the desire to make improvements in society and to correct social injustice.

African American Art and Activism: The Past

For centuries, art has been used to a way to make statements about society, to express emotions, and to create social change. Using different art such as painting, music, writing, acting, theater, and dance as activism has been a tool used by African Americans.

The goal of these different art forms in America was, and still is, a way to combat racism, discrimination, self-hate, and violence while promoting unity, cultural celebration, the importance of black voices, and progression at all levels in America.

Slavery in this country is unique in the sense that one group of people was targeted, there were laws against education, women were used baby making machines, servitude was for life, and families were torn apart. The culture of slavery in America has had trickle negative consequences on the African American family, education system, identity, communities, and businesses.

Some of the greatest evidence of African American art and activism can be seen in movements such as the Harlem Renaissance, which was a literary, artistic, and intellectual movement spanning the 1920s to the mid-1930s that kindled a new black cultural identity.

This movement gave of voices to artisst such as poet Langston Hughes, authors like Zora Neale Hurston, and dancers including Josephine Baker. The Civil Rights Movements bred voices though writer Maya Angelou and actress Eartha Kitt. Countless musical acts were a result of Berry Gordy’s Motown Records and the strong voice of singer/performer Nina Simone.

All in their own unique way, these artists and activists advocated against racism, a form of terrorism in America, which spawned the KKK, Jim Crow laws, and discrimination. The aggressiveness of Hip-Hop activists such as Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill Public Enemy and NWA took a stand against racist systems and police brutality all while documenting their experiences and the experiences of many in low-income communities.

The suffering of African Americans birthed new sounds such as jazz and hop-hop. This pain, anger, sadness, strength, and cultural pride continues to influence artists today.

African American Art and Activism: The Future ft. Sherice Greene

Name:Sherice Greene, goes by the name S.H.E in her artwork

Bio: Sherice Greene is a 22-year-old 2016 Virginia Wesleyan College graduate. She is from Chesterfield, VA. She has been creating art all her life. Her goal in her work is to represent the Black Woman.

Jasmine: Can you describe in 3- 5 words your art?

Sherice: Representation of the black woman.

Jasmine: Do you believe art can be a form of activism? If so is yours?

Sherice: I never really thought of my art as a form of activism. I’m just here to celebrate and empower the black women.

Jasmine: What messages do you want people to take from your work?

Sherice: I have a few messages; One, I want black women, especially black women with natural hair to know that their hair is beautiful and they are magic. Secondly, I want black women to know it is important to love yourself and your imperfections. Thirdly, we as black women are magic and no one can take that from us.

Jasmine: Why is art important?

Sherice: Art is important because it’s the voice for people who can’t use their words. It’s expression. Can you imagine life without art?

Jasmine: A very dull life is what I imagine.

Jasmine: Have there ever been moments when you are trying to get across a theme or message but you are unable to get it on the canvas? If so how do you deal with that process?

Sherice: ALL. THE. TIME! There are so many times where I will start a painting and I don’t like it and I want to throw the canvas away. I deal with that process by putting it aside and starting another one. I might even send it to my best friend Danyelle, sometimes I like to get an opinion from someone who isn’t an artist. But I always remind myself that it has to be ugly before it looks good and to trust the process.

Jasmine: 100 years from now what do you want people say about your work and get out of it?

Sherice: Wow, 100 years from now. I would want people to say that my work always reflected my message. I would want black women to still feel empowered and to know that I’m still here or was here to represent us.

Jasmine: Last Question. Is there an artist or time period that inspired you to use your art as activism.

Sherice:Markus Prime and Audrey Marielle are two current artists that are inspiring to me. They both paint/draw black women.

This is not my first time working with Sherice Greene. In our four years here at Virginia Wesleyan College, I have had the pleasure in connection with our campuses Black Student Union to work on her first Gallery show, supporting her at the One Love Festival, and even having her spotlight her work.

She and her artwork has changed our campus and added a new dialogue about the importance of celebrating Black women. Whether she knows it or not, her artwork is activism because the goal of it reshaping the image of Black women from negative to positive depictions. I am honored that she has allowed me to be apart of her journey.

Ways to Support Sherice's Art:

1. Contact via email and buy some of her beautiful artwork. Follow her on Instagram, too.

2. Visit Art Galleries where her paintings are featured.

At 670 Gallery in Hampton she has two paintings featured.

3. Stay Updated with future events. She will be selling artwork at event below.