Sankofa Blackbird. (Nina Simone) Painting

This piece is inspired by Nina simones song blackbird Herbert Sacker, Nina Simone Why you want to fly Blackbird you ain't ever gonna fly No place bif enough for holding all the tears you're gonna cry 'cause your mama's name was lonely and your daddy's name was pain She expresses the pain of being unloved, unwanted, misunderstood, racism, classism,, and gender oppression, which is detailed by the term intersectionality that black women have to endure. Incorporated in the piece is a symbol of a Sankofa, a mythical bird with its feet firmly planted forward with its head turned backwards. Thus, the Akan tribe from Ghana believe the past serves as a guide for planning the future. To the Akan, it is this wisdom in learning from the past which ensures a strong future. I want this piece to inspire the youth to learn from the mistakes of the past and see the beauty of the future here represented by vibrant necklace the child is wearing.