I’ve been connected to The Journal for a long time, and it’s in part because of the Black History Month issue. It all started in Vol. 148 when the then Editors in Chief sent out an e-mail call-out looking for Black writers and artists to contribute to a Black History Month special issue of The Journal.
While Matt and Raechel couldn’t craft a Black History Month issue at the time, their efforts to include more BIPOC creatives in The Journal are what got me started at the paper.
Then, Vol. 149 Editors in Chief Aysha and Shelby hired me as the Editorials Illustrator. Ultimately, working with The Journal helped me succeed during my time at Queen’s. For the next three years, my undergraduate career was shaped and enhanced by my connection to The Journal, and I’ve been lucky enough to illustrate a cover for the Black History Month issue every year it’s been a part of the paper.
When I struggled to find my place here at Queen’s, The Journal brought me community, and though I don’t work there anymore, it will always have a piece of my heart. This is my last year at Queen’s and my last opportunity to draw the Black History Month cover, so I put my all into it.
When drawing this illustration, I pulled inspiration from Gustav Klimt’s painting structure and Kehinde Wiley’s integration of complex patterns and depictions of proud contemporary Black culture.
I tried to remain inclusive. I added hints of African textile patterns throughout the illustration and patterns I’ve seen on Caribbean cultural clothing. Otherwise, I focused on just portraying the beauty and power of Black people and showing abstract creativity.
Since this is my last cover, I chose to indulge, making sure yellow and gold are prominent in the piece. Yellow has always been my favourite colour, and gold has always symbolized wealth, prosperity, and beauty—something colonialism has always tried to take away from Black people.
Many thanks to all the staff who’ve been with me throughout my journey at The Journal. I’m so excited to see what comes next for this publication.
Read the Vol. 152 Black History Month issue featuring Mugabe’s front page illustration here.
Tags
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be ed, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to [email protected].