Trivial Pursuits

As I documented the uprisings in Washington, DC in 2020, my senses and memories were assaulted by the stories of pain and loss within the Black community. Through that hurt and the isolating effects of the pandemic, I challenged myself to create more substantive work around these visceral, complicated conversations and nurture a newfound understanding of my future as a Black man and my purpose as a Black photojournalist. My vision of growth is not necessarily tied to self, but more so depicted in my photography through truth telling and the ongoing dialogue I maintain between my artistic work and social justice issues. No more would the shelf life of my art be bound to the randomness of the algorithm. As people desensitized to these stories and this reality, I pushed to create this work that pushes the conversation and to do so without losing any steam — because the work would keep the whispers alive.

Trivial Pursuits is a blood-soaked photo series that decries the many trivial ways Black lives are “justified” to be taken at the hands of law enforcement and others, while displaying strength through a raised Black Power fist. The photos included in this show honor the lives of Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Rayshard Brooks, Alton Sterling, Botham Jean, Andre Hill, Michael Brown, and Trayvon Martin. Creating these works allowed me to feel present in such a pivotal moment of growth as an artist.