Celebrating Black Artistry

“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 LexisNexis Risk Solutions? 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.

My wife, Chrystal, and I have been collecting art by black artists and artists of African descent since 2015. There are so many stories and experiences expressed through art that give us the opportunity to see the world through someone else's eyes and to experience places we have never been.

During a trip to Ghana, we were inspired to create a community that presented art and artists from across Africa and the African diaspora. The way Africa and its people are portrayed and the actual experience of being there are night and day. What better way to showcase Africa, it's people, and its descendants than through art.

Tony Yeoman
Software Engineering Lead

As a black woman engaging in creative expression, I represent the diversity and richness of black experiences. Sharing my writing encourages self-expression and fosters a sense of pride in our cultural identity.

Poetry is an art form deeply rooted in oral tradition and storytelling within African and African-American cultures, and it serves as a means of preserving cultural heritage. Poetry is a source of inspiration, empathy, and connection, fostering understanding and solidarity across diverse communities.

Carmen D. Jackson
Director Quality Engineering- Business Services

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

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

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

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.

Asia Piper
Credentialing Analyst

I love taking photos of nature scenes and my favorites are sunrises and sunsets. I hope when people see them, they see the beauty that a new day sunrise brings, and the calming effect sunsets have. Regardless of how my day went to me, a sunrise symbolizes new opportunities and fresh starts and sunsets brings reflection.