During the Covid-19 pandemic, I found myself rediscovering my passion for drawing. Witnessing the tireless efforts of doctors and nurses on the frontlines moved me deeply, prompting me to pick up my charcoal and graphite pencils and sketch their portraits. Capturing their dedication and compassion on paper became a form of homage to their extraordinary work. As time went on, my focus expanded beyond healthcare workers to encompass individuals who inspired hope, particularly young people—the future torchbearers. In their faces, I saw resilience and determination, qualities that became emblematic of the human spirit persevering through adversity.
Working with charcoal and graphite allowed me to convey the depth of emotion and the subtle nuances of each subject's expression. The texture of charcoal lent itself to capturing the raw intensity of the moment, while graphite offered precision in portraying delicate features. Through this artistic journey, I found solace and purpose in creating something meaningful amidst uncertainty. Reflecting on these drawings, I realize they serve not only as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit but also as a reminder of the power of art to heal and inspire. In a world grappling with challenges, finding beauty and hope in the strokes of a pencil has been a profoundly cathartic experience. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, creativity and empathy can illuminate the path forward.
John Lewis
Lewis' family said in a statement. "He was a stalwart champion in the ongoing struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being. He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America.
Lewis' family said in a statement. "He was a stalwart champion in the ongoing struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being. He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America.
Amanda Gorman
On this day, February 14th, 2018, Aalayah Eastmond survived a school shooting in Parkland, Florida. She hid under the body of a classmate to survive the shooting. Her experience led her to become an activist and advocate for gun violence prevention, social justice, and racial equality. Eastmond began her activism during the 2018 United States gun violence protests. She has testified multiple times to the U.S. Congress. Eastmond is an executive council member of Team Enough, a youth-led gun violence prevention organization that is part of the Brady Campaign.
Youth climate activist Jerome Foster is making a name for himself! He founded a youth media website called The Climate Reporter, he’s the executive director of the youth voting advocacy group, OneMillionOfUs, and the youngest member of the White House’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council
ER Nurse at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
ER Nurse at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ibram Kendi - a leading scholar of racism, renowned speaker, and founder of the new anti-racism center at American University
Patrice Cullors is an American artist and activist. An advocate for prison abolition in Los Angeles and a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Madonna Thunder Hawk is a Native American civil rights activist best known as a leader in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and as an organizer against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She co-founded the American Indian organization Women of All Red Nations and serves as an organizer and tribal liaison for the Lakota People's Law Project.
Stacy Abrams
ER Doctor at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
