Powderhorn Series
A powder horn is a container for gunpowder created from cow, ox or buffalo horn. Powderhorn is also a neighborhood in South Minneapolis, Minnesota. In a sense, the violent act the of the police using deadly force on George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in the Minneapolis Powderhorn neighborhood combined with storing centuries of racial inequity detonated a demand for justice. The unprecedented scale of chaos resulted due to the pandemic-driven unemployment, chronic poverty, food insecurity, and the civil unrest. This series provides recognition to the “unsung heroes,” community members who demonstrated acts of solidarity, dedication, and humanitarian aid driven by the initiative to serve and protect thy neighbors.
The Connection,
Screenprint, 2021,
20"w X 27"h
Following for days in the wake of George Floyd’s death, networks were created through word of mouth and social media to organize persistent protests, volunteer driven pop up food shelves, and promote health guidelines to reduce Covid-19 outbreaks. These connections relied heavily on people’s ability and dedication to mobilize during the crisis by communicating needs of resources and sharing sources of distribution.
Zumba Movement,
Screenprint, 2020,
19.5" w X 27.5" h
This print addresses the financial crisis the nation’s restaurant industry suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic and then another major setback; the damage done by opportunists who looted and destroyed properties during the unrest after the death of George Floyd by a police officer. Mom and pop, and family businesses were extremely challenged on Lake Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the aftermath, Latina women offered free Zumba classes to encourage clients to exercise and promote the restaurants. The music notes are from a catchy Latin theme song “Zumba” for the dance-fitness craze and is composed by Christian Ramos, Don Omar, Enrique Casillas, Robin Mendez, and William Landron. Alfred Music - Digital Sheet Music #00-PC-0016501_M1.
Nikko Samurai Security,
Screenprint, 2020,
20" w X 27.5" h
George Floyd Square at the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, is where George Floyd lost his life to police brutality. Individuals such as Nikko with a sword, was a self-appointed vigilante on rollerblades who volunteered as part of the neighborhood security systems monitoring the streets of South Minneapolis after the unrest. The protests which precipitated a worldwide debate on policing and racial injustice has led to numerous legislative proposals intended to combat police misconduct and systemic racism.