It is not unusual for artists to use their work as a platform against social injustice, so it is not surprising that we have seen a resurgence of social justice art since the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement. Many artists have used Instagram to share their messages.
My former student, Chanté Enu [formerly known as Chanté Marie]–singer, songwriter, and artist–contributes to the dialogue. Her social justice artwork, which she has begun to post on Instagram, reminds us to “say the names” of those who have succumbed to police violence.
For today’s post on living Black in the United States, she shares a piece from her series, Voices Mourning in Protest and a little about the motivation behind its creation.
This piece is a tribute to the many Black individuals whose lives were taken by the police. I added names to the canvas in hopes that while viewing this composition people will say their names and remember:
George Floyd. Jamar Clark. Timothy Thomas. Danroy Henry Jr. Trayvon Martin. Eric Garner. Artago Damon Howard. Jeremy Lett. Lavall Hall. Thomas Allen. Charly Leundeu Keunang. Naeschylus Vinzant. Tony Robinson. Anthony Hill. Bobby Gross. Brandon Jones. Eric Harris. Walter Scott. Frank Shephard. William Chapman. David Felix. Brendon Glenn. Kris Jackson. Spencer McCain. Victor Emmanuel Larosa. Salvado Ellswood. Darrius Stewart . Albert Joseph Davis. Samuel DuBose. Christian Taylor. Asshams Pharoah Manley. India Kager. Keith Harrison McLeod. Junior Prosper. Anthony Ashford. Bennie Lee Tignor. Jamar Clark. Nathaniel Harris Pickett.
The list goes on.
The focal point of this piece is a black woman in mourning. She represents the heaviness of the grief and loss many of us feel.
My prayer is that we expel the monsters of apathy and disconnect that plague our nation and invoke genuine feelings of connectedness through our collective grief over the loss of these lives.
Through this piece, I hope people understand that it is our responsibility to speak up, to advocate, to say their names, to protest injustice, to deeply care about the injustices against Black lives.
Pics and Posts 
Beautiful artwork
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Thanks! I’ll be sure to share your compliment with the artist. 🙂
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Yes. Beautiful art. Beautiful sentiments – but so heartbreaking that they are even necessary in 2020.
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Sadly…
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Thank you sharing this moving artwork and the names, so much loss and exponential grief.
🙏🕯🕯🕯
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Thank you for taking the time to read the post. I will share your comment with the artist.
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I have no words. Praying so hard for our country right now. Hoping along with you that we can step up, and be our best selves. And all can be safe.
The card is beautiful and evocative.
xoxox
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Thank you, Sheila. I’m thinking of you and sending a hug. I will certainly share your compliment with the artist.
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What a beautiful piece. It’s also awesome that you’re sharing your platform with a former student.
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Girl, my students have so much talent. I enjoy sharing their talent. It really encourages them.
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