Bright Boy : The Art of Defined/Designed Black
Bright Boy
Bright Boy,
A term used to describe what white saw as a black anomaly, a Black outlier, or a Black unicorn.
Something or someone Black who should not exist, and yet here we stand; in spite of the systems and institutions hell-bent on extinguishing us. Our ancestors were striped of their identities, cultures, languages, religions, names and humanity; and then defined by what white was not. White limited Black access to knowledge, education, and ability to write while designing a narrative written in white ink on Black skin defining Black as the worst parts of white. White wrote the definitions of Black; while it was illegal for Black to read, write or learn.
White designed Black; while stealing. all Black created or designed, while white took what was Black, said that it was white, then told Black it was nothing without white. White has been in control of the narrative and the definition of Black, but still, look at what we have accomplished.
Watch what happens when we Define ourselves and Design our own narrative.
Bright Boy; The Art of Defined/Designed Black is an anthology focused on rewriting the narrative of Blackness and Black Culture.
Hello, I am Mark T. Williams II; author and curator of:
Bright Boy; The Art of Defined/Designed Black.
I am a visual artist, degreed Art Historian from Baylor with a Masters of Science in Industrial Design from the University of Houston. I currently teach in New Orleans as a Career & Technical Educator of High School Students in areas related to Design, Digital Media & Arts, and Entrepreneurship.
I have dedicated my life to the arts and the fostering of mentorship, representation, and career success of Black Creatives and Artists. This mission was passed down to me by my Great Aunt Claudia, my first art teacher and the first Black Visual Artist I had ever met.
I would not be the Man, Artist, or Educator I am today without the creative guidance, art materials & resources, or opportunities she gifted me in my youth.
Sadly after her, I never again had a Black educator in the Arts, nor saw or was taught of Black Artist or Designers.
Not by the school systems. Not by the Community. Not by an entire Art History Department. Not by an Entire Architecture & Design Department.
I went my entire life and education only experiencing one Black Artist; a painter, an educator, a mentor… A Black Woman.
What would have happened if I was surrounded by Black Art, Literature, and Black Creative mentors?
I was always called "Bright" growing up, but I was simply a reflection of the beauty of the world, its knowledge, and its lessons. All of which were conveyed to me by Black Women; because before I could speak clearly I was trained to articulate my thoughts and dreams on paper with pencils, charcoal, and paint.
I am Bright because I reflect the radiance of Black Women.
We are Bright because we all do.
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