REFLECTION & REASON

In an age where African culture and history is boldly and voraciously reasserting itself through diverse relatable historical and cultural legends being brought to light in captivating stories, one has to ask where comic book artists fit into this? As a writer and producer of African historical- and culturally-based comics myself--alongside the other short stories, scripts and novels I produce--I can unequivocally tell you that there is no shortage of quality material, artists, and writers out there within the African continent and African Diaspora. However, this is where the quagmire begins. With so much vivid content coming out, to the best of my knowledge there has been no discussion or formalized characterization of what entails the quintessential African Superhero or Superheroine and where they rank in terms of power scale and influence among the emerging universe of producers and consumers of African comics. This in my opinion is both a good and bad thing. Good in the sense...

REFLECTIONS – AN INTRODUCTION  When I first heard that Kya Publishing was partnering with members of the Black Arts community to present stories and reflections on the times and the surrounding social environment, I was excited. I knew that as an artist, I wanted to be part of a platform that offered positive movements and social change with literature at the forefront of the discussion. We’re living in unprecedented times: with countless stories of undocumented injustices to unusually high numbers of COVID-19 cases affecting our communities, there is a lot to face. These two factors have provided the necessary push to take chances in an effort to make sense of it all. I am fortunate that I am one of the lucky ones because I have the tools to help me disseminate, summarize and reinterpret. And yet, I am facing a difficult task in that not all of these tools can convey the effects of this experience on myself and those close to me.  I have come to the conclusion t...

I am in awe of the artistry of master ceramicist Homer Brown . This talented native of Jamaica is a humble and pleasant soul who creates the most stunning pieces that evoke not only the beauty of Black women, but the most detailed and loving depictions of the African spirit. Art is not my area of expertise, yet I have been fixated on the images and emotions that just looking at the Homer Brown Collection evokes. While I can appreciate talent in many genres, and recognize the blessing that individuals have when it comes to building and crafting unique items...I do believe that Homer Brown has something special. His signature sculptures are affectionately known as "Bumpy Heads," as distributed and celebrated in his hometown of Ocho Rios on the island of Jamaica where the works were originally inspired over ten years ago. A self-trained artist who has worked for various establishments in Jamaica and mentored with some of the best potters and visionaries, Homer has now...