On a remarkable day in August 2022, I had the profound honor of opening the President’s Welcome Address at Mesa Community College (MCC). This unforgettable experience not only highlighted my artistic journey but also celebrated the essence of Black Girl Excellence—a theme close to my heart and deeply rooted in my work.
Stepping onto that stage was more than just an opportunity to share my art. It was a moment to stand tall as a Black woman, artist, and advocate for underrepresented voices, particularly within the education and art spaces.
The Significance of the Event
MCC’s President’s Welcome Address is an annual event that sets the tone for the academic year, offering inspiration and a sense of community to staff and faculty. To be invited to open this prestigious address was an incredible honor, as it gave me the chance to merge my passions for education, art, and advocacy.
In my opening, I used my art and voice to inspire and encourage the audience to lean into the power of creativity and representation. My goal was to leave a lasting impression, reminding everyone in attendance of the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all spaces, including academia.
Black Girl Excellence: A Central Theme
The phrase Black Girl Excellence represents a movement of empowerment, resilience, and celebration of Black women in all their brilliance. For me, this concept is more than just words—it’s a lifestyle and a driving force behind much of my work.
At MCC, I emphasized how education and creativity serve as vehicles for progress and how institutions like MCC can uplift underrepresented voices. By sharing my own story as an artist, I aimed to show students, educators, and community members that excellence is within reach, no matter where you begin your journey.
Bringing My Art to the Stage
Art has always been my language of choice, and this event was no exception. I curated a presentation featuring some of my most impactful works, each piece narrating a story of strength, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
One of the highlights was the opportunity to discuss the ways in which my art intersects with education and social justice. Each brushstroke, each canvas, represents a piece of my own journey as well as the collective experience of those who came before me.
Collaboration and Community
This event also underscored the importance of collaboration and community. Working with MCC’s team was an enriching experience, and their dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and staff was inspiring.
During my speech, I encouraged the audience to consider how their roles as educators and community leaders could further the mission of inclusivity. Together, we explored how creativity, open dialogue, and a commitment to equity can drive meaningful change.
What This Moment Meant to Me
Opening the President’s Welcome Address at MCC wasn’t just about sharing my art or giving a speech—it was about creating a dialogue and building connections. It reaffirmed my belief that art has the power to bridge gaps, spark conversations, and inspire action.
This event was also a personal milestone in my journey as an artist and advocate. It reminded me of the importance of representation and the impact we can have when we share our stories unapologetically.
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Conclusion
The opportunity to open the President’s Welcome Address at MCC was a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and community. It was a moment of reflection, celebration, and a reminder of why I do what I do.
To everyone who has supported me along the way, thank you. Your encouragement fuels my drive to keep pushing boundaries and creating meaningful work.
As I continue my journey, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own excellence—whatever that may look like—and to create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Here’s to Black Girl Excellence and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
