Charcoal Portraits

"I love to draw the faces, hands, and hair of Black folks. Our history, our strength, and our resilience are what I attempt to depict in my drawings. When the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe performed in Berkeley, California in 2003, I was fortunate to be able to have Judith Jamison, their then-artistic director, sign the portrait that I drew of her. You can see her autograph on the drawing.

There is one pen & ink drawing among the drawings entitled 'Refugees.' I drew this one without taking my pen from the paper. The drawing is simply one long line that forms courageous individuals in their search for a home free from war and strife. Even though I drew it in the 1990s, sadly it is still relevant today.

My charcoal drawing 'Lest We Forget' is a reminder that while this nation was founded on principles of justice and equality, there are many who continue to suffer the indignities of racism and poverty. Let us never forget them."