I grew up in the suburbs of Laurel, Maryland, a diverse area that has become a big part of my identity.  My thesis work  focuses  on my upbringing, and the family dynamics that have changed with my growth. My thesis is about making my own representation. Through making this work, I have  looked at how various artists combine  aspects of the traditional black family with aspects of successfully living in suburbia. I hope that  my work reaches a broader audience, and can resonate as representative of the positivity of the black experience.

  

My family is a great example of a successful black family. My parents have good paying jobs. We are in the middle class and live in the suburbs. We have lived in the home of my childhood since I was born , and we have roots. We are a happy family. Of course not everything is perfect, but I look to make my family an example of black excellence that the African American community can recognize , and see that this lifestyle is not only achievable but realistic. I hope that those who can’t relate to my thesis will get to experience my lifestyle and the way that I grew up, while also finding similarities between my family's story and theirs. All that a family wants is the best for themselves, and that is all my family has given me:  a better life.