Short Essay

 Lateef Solomon Acts of Resistance SP

Professor Cacoilo Febuary 23, 2021

The journey of self-exploration

After reading Kimberly Drew’s This is what I know about Art, it is clear that Drew wanted to share her experiences and journey of her life to inspire others to follow their hearts about what they truly want to do in life. Growing up an artist and activist, she has had many tribulations before she accepted who she really was and what her life consisted of. “ I’m not your typical art historian, I’m not your typical activist, I am still learning what art and protest mean to me”. This quote exemplifies how Drew began her journey to self-discovery of who she really is and what paths she took to get to where she is now. She had the guidance of her family especially her mother and aunts who gave her the drive to pursue what her heart desired. They gave her the courage to follow and accomplish everything that she wanted to ever since she was a child. Her approach to today’s culture shows us that there are many concepts that are presented that showed many that the world isn’t what it seems to be in today’s society. She unravels how the world can be seen as art and still have many views but also many controversial thoughts that displays the diverse culture amongst society and its norms. With the controversies of today's day and age, Drew set the example of what it is like to have an opinion on how she views society and its actions that have made a major impact on the people of America. Their intellectual thought and actions are what makes everyone different from each other, that separates people that have the same beliefs as each other and dissects the truth behind their beliefs. “Art and self-expression were essential pillars in my childhood, but even with early exposure to art and art spaces. I would have never dreamed about working at the capacity I do now”. Being able to relate to Drew’s words and experiences, can be like lessons that were passed down throughout generations, especially being able to see how specific events can feel like deja vu. For instance, the Black Lives Matter movement can be a mere imitation of what Martin Luther King and other Civil rights leaders went through to achieve freedom from the racial ties of the white man. There have been many instances where racial equality and equal rights as citizens of the united states. Growing as an African American male, you are looked at differently from others who are a different race and skin color. I had to accept who I am, where I came from, and my heritage. Being able to accept myself for who I am, helped me realize that it doesn’t matter how I looked or who I was associated with; I had t understand that I was born this way and I should have pride in what I am connected with, I will always be a proud African American who appreciates where he comes from.