Fulfill the Dream: ‘Let Freedom Ring’ Description:
I was immediately drawn to the powerful photo taken by Elijah Nouvelage of 7-year-old Kai Ayden on May 31, 2020. This little boy was at a protest in Atlanta, Georgia, sparked by the death of George Floyd. While his blue mask covers most of his face, his eyes capture the innocence, determination, and hope of a new generation of freedom fighters. With his fist in the air and the police officer with his riot shield behind him, he poignantly captures the call for racial justice and solidarity.
In the news article that ran about Kai on CNN (Maybe if they see me, they'll stop), his mother spoke about his desire to participate in the protest against police brutality towards African Americans and his admiration of Martin Luther King Jr. His innocent confusion that this shouldn’t be an issue because “Martin said the speech already” and that “Maybe if they hear me, maybe if they see me, they’ll stop” summarized succinctly what should be immediately understood by all, but unfortunately isn’t.
I chose to pair Kai’s image with a larger version of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. above him in the composition because of the parallel between the two: King was the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and Kai could be the next leader of this generation’s fight for racial justice and equality. In fact, at the protest Kai said, “I will be the next Martin Luther King Jr.” In the midst of such heart-wrenching incidents of police brutality that continue to plague the U.S., Kai’s confidence shines a light on dark times.
The presence of the mask on his face is a reminder of two intersecting pandemics: racism and COVID-19. Many have risked their lives standing up to racism at the recent rash of protests despite the pandemic that continues to ravage the U.S. The irony is not lost here: for some, suffering under the weight of racial oppression is just as suffocating as the possibility of contracting COVID-19.
I blurred out the police officer standing behind Kai so as not to detract from the importance of him and Dr. King. However, even though he is faceless and nameless, it doesn’t erase his presence and the paradox that exists. The police officer is there to serve and protect, but often only for privileged white people. That is not the reality that many African Americans experience and have been enduring for decades when it comes to the police and the justice system.
The American flag is purposely faded and white-washed in the background so as to not overpower the figures. However, it also symbolizes the fading freedoms of our Black brothers and sisters in a country that is supposed to represent the land of liberty. Some of Dr. King’s quotes are superimposed over the flag to reinforce his inspiring messages of strength, resilience, and optimism.
I hope this painting offers hope and instills a sense of urgency to speak out against racism and tear down the racist policies and systems that have allowed it to continue. Young boys like Kai deserve to see Dr. King’s dream fulfilled. We all do.