Celebrating
Black Artistry
A SHOWCASE OF OUR CREATIVE COLLEAGUES IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
“You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
Maya Angelou, American memoirist and poet
This year's Black History Month theme celebrates African Americans and the Arts, spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more.
We thought what better way to celebrate Black artistry than to feature the talents and interests of our creative colleagues across RELX? From visual to performing arts, explore the wide range of creative expressions our people participate in for relaxation, education, cultural representation, or just a bit of fun.
I have always been very interested in art, especially music and the performing arts. I am a self-taught classical pianist and I have been playing since I was two years old. I am also a professional singer and guitarist. For me, music is an expression of my cultural experiences. I was born in Southwestern Virginia into a military family. It has taken me an enormous amount of time, energy, and discipline to learn to play music and develop the skills to perform it. Although naturally gifted, I still believe its 20 percent talent and 80 percent sweat.
One of the earliest guitar patents was granted to African-American inventor Robert Flemming in 1886. Most people don’t know that, so when I play guitar I am reinforcing the cultural connections between African-Americans and music. We know that Chuck Berry and Willie Dixon invented rock-n-roll and inspired British artists like Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones. Sometimes, people don’t give credit to African-Americans for making rock music possible for everyone to enjoy.
Kathryn Dove
Legal Editor, LexisNexis
Art allows the viewer the right to their own interpretations of what is presented to them. Certain emotions and reactions are pulled from the consumer which then spark conversation. For those who know little to nothing about another’s culture, art serves as a great vehicle to pique curiosity which is why this aspect of life is so vital.
David Hunter III
Attorney Development Specialist, LexisNexis
My art reflects freedom of expression, confidence, and creativity of sharing stories. I am proud to be a podcaster, content creator and orator/poet. I share my story so others can become confident in sharing their stories. My art is through my words and my voice. My art is a reflection of who I am and what others can hopefully aspire to be. My podcast is called "SpiritBound" which explores spirituality through past and shared experiences to empower limitless possibilities. I’m also working on another upcoming podcast called “Where is Home?” Additionally, I perform poetry at open mic nights throughout London and I am working to soon publish some of my work.
A few of my favourite artists who've influenced my work are Maya Angelou, Therapy for Black Girls podcast with host Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Truth Be Told podcast by Tonya Mosley, Amanda Gordon, and Rita Dove.
Art is a vessel of representation whether it's orally or visually shared. It's a way to understand the empowerment, pain, progression, passion and among other things to show who we are. Without representation, our stories and our impact goes unnoticed. Representation matters and representation speaks for itself when you are surrounded by a community of artists trying to achieve the same goal.
Keyari Page
Content Producer, ICIS
Growing up as the son of an African Art History Professor, I've had the privilege of being immersed in the rich tapestry of African artwork from a young age. Art, to me, serves as a profound and dynamic vehicle for storytelling and cultural expression. It transcends mere aesthetics, becoming a powerful tool to convey narratives, capture histories, and express the essence of diverse cultures. In the realm of African and African American art, each piece often carries layers of meaning and historical context. Whether it's traditional sculptures, contemporary paintings, or vibrant textiles, these artworks encapsulate stories of resilience, identity, and the struggles and triumphs of the communities they represent. They serve as visual narratives that bridge the past and present, connecting us to our roots and reminding us of the enduring strength within these cultures.
I hope to be able to pass down my love of African and African American art to my children in the same way my father did for me.
Femi Richards
Vice President, Compliance Assessment and Programs, RELX
Pixel art harkens back to a time of arcades, Super Nintendo, and having to blow on cartridges to boot up. Representation for Black characters could only be found in sports games and exaggerated caricatures. My art creates a nostalgia for something that did not exist. I depict my Black characters in fun and fantastical situations. Something I would have loved then, but I have the skills to change that now.
When I think about who inspires me, I think about the Black twin brothers Tom and Tony Cannon, icons in the fighting game scene. They developed a netcode technique called “rollback” which improved connectivity on online gaming and enables smooth gameplay anywhere in the world.
Kamai Guillory
Courtlink Software Engineer, LexisNexis
Watch a timelapse of Kamai creating his pixel art
Watch a timelapse of Kamai creating his pixel art
From my nature photos, I hope that people see the beauty that I see and feel a sense of peace and calmness. When I go on my “photo hikes”, whether it’s in the woods or on the beach, it’s to take time away from the spin of the world to center my thoughts on the beauty and peace that is around us within our surroundings.
To quote a line from the TV series Westworld: “Some people choose to see the ugliness in this world. The disarray. I choose to see the beauty."
Tornya Gordon
Senior Project Manager, Engineering, LexisNexis Risk Solutions
I display my art through my own personal style. Fashion has always been a reflection of Black History Month because vintage style, black glamour, classic looks, feminine fashion, and soulful attire are all timeless pieces.
Some of my favorite fashion artists and influencers are Cicely Tyson, Diana Ross, Diahann Carroll, Lena Horne, Aisha Hinds and Coretta Scott King.
Fashion can be a powerful vehicle to those who go against the grain and dress up based on their own personal style. I believe in the timeless quote, "Wear your clothing, don't let the clothing wear you."
Tina Brooks
Business & Government Services Consultant, Operations, LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Improv and screenwriting contribute to the celebration of Black History Month because they help to propel and highlight the stories of Black people.
I enable people of all backgrounds to share in the unique and often fraught Black experience through comedy. With my artforms I invite the audience to a world of imagination, learning, catharsis, and endless entertainment.
Asher DeMadet
Corporate Legal Account Executive, LexisNexis
I created a social media brand that promotes being authentic to yourself. With social media playing a major role in how we view ourselves, as well as how others may view us, it can bring on a sense of self-doubt and negative feelings. The constant display of the perfect life or image can be damaging to someone with low-self-esteem or someone already struggling with a mental health issues.
"Reveal Your Crown" is a place where positivity, self-empowerment, and mindfulness intersect to inspire and uplift. As an African American woman, I was not taught how to express my feelings in a confident and articulate way. So, I built a platform for that purpose, as I prioritize assisting people to embrace their inner strength, prioritize self-care, and manifest positive change in their own lives.
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