Jacorrian Jackson

growing

BY Jacorrian Jackson
MEDIUM Digital Art

Starting off as a silhouette sketch of a haircut

I thought of wearing in the future, “growing” evolved into a digital format and with multiple colors tested. The design changed from a solid color to flowers after my personal growth from hospitalization with ulcerative colitis. African American males have heard countless times that it’s considered weak to show emotion and enjoy things such as bright colors or flowers. I’ve become furious that African American men have to put on a tough, or emotionless exterior on a day-to-day basis, and decided to take a stand against such unreasonable masculinity. Disappointed with how there was little to no recognition of mental health in African American males, Having a difficult time trying to explain this topic verbally, I have decided to use my abilities in graphic design to voice my opinion to others. I am thankful for the fellow African American men, both young and old, that have let me share my views with them. If the question arises, one thing that I would want from this piece is to be an inspiration for advocacy for mental health regarding African American males.