What happens to the Negro in this country? They tell us to dress up, speak properly, get rid of our kinky locs, and yet, still drag us down streets, hang us in trees, and shoot us in our backs, because, “I feared for my life.” From boy to man, the Black body has been failed - its existence diminished to nothing more than a thug in a hoodie.
Using 2D elements on plywood panels, digital imagery, and 3D mixed media assemblage with rope, muslin dolls, and acrylic paint, colored Black. takes the audience on a journey of the fear, violence, rage...the virtue of the Negro colored Black in America.
"I can’t breathe. I have my ID right here. My name is Elijah McClain. That’s my house. I was just going home. I’m an introvert. I’m just different. That’s all. I’m so sorry. I have no gun. I don’t do that stuff. I don’t do any fighting. Why are you attacking me? I don’t even kill flies! I don’t eat meat! But I don’t judge people, I don’t judge people who do eat meat. Forgive me. All I was trying to do was become better. I will do it. I will do anything. Sacrifice my identity, I’ll do it. You all are phenomenal. You are beautiful and I love you. Try to forgive me. I’m a mood Gemini. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Ow, that really hurt. You all are very strong. Teamwork makes the dream work. Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t trying to do that. I just can’t breathe correctly.”
His final words.
He died on August 30, 2019.
He was 23. Still a boy to some - a man to others.
His death was undetermined.
Ten months go by. Silence.
Protests. Enrage. Outcry. Outrage.
June 2020.
An investigation opens.
He shouldn't have been stopped. frisked. restrained.
September 2021.
Manslaughter charges.
What is justice?
Elijah McClain is just one. Hundreds. Thousands.
I created colored Black. to loop the past to the present and show the mirror that is our future if those who do not look like us continue to believe that "we've made progress, things are so much better." Progress means growth and there is ALWAYS room for growth.
colored Black. will no longer be displayed in its full capacity, but it will always have a home here, for you. For us.
-Ang
Photo Credits: Abiola Kosoko