Mass media's promotion of European beauty as a standard has created ethnocentrism and conformism. When it comes to the visual advertisement industry and the topic of beauty, media outlets and advertisers often misrepresent or under-represent communities of color. The exclusion of diverse faces creates an identity crisis throughout these communities. For inspiration, I chose to examine images taken before, during and after the ‘Black is Beautiful’ movement started by revolutionary photographer Kwame Brathwaite. This powerful movement challenged the idea that European traits were only beautiful. I also drew inspiration from 1920’s photographer James Van Der Zee whose black and white photography was pivotal in showcasing African American families in a positive light whereas the media often depicts black families only in poverty. 

LOTUS represents perseverance through hardship. The lotus flower is a sacred plant in some cultures symbolizing purity, rebirth and strength. The figures' tears represent the historical hardship African Americans encountered while the lotus represents the community growing and blossoming through the hardship. This image fits the exhibition theme, The Journey, because it showcases a transformative journey of the African American community.