Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, 2024 marks a full decade for me living, working, and discovering myself in Detroit. As I thought about the theme of "Still We Rise," I reflected on what I have witnessed and experienced of Detroit’s incredible community over these ten years.

 

This is what you see in Self-Portrait, Detroit 2024. It is an image filled with 40 extraordinary people—friends, mentors, artists, designers, musicians, children, thinkers, doers, and innovators.

 

On one level, it is a self-portrait. These are all people who I am close to—people I cherish and respect. As I considered what has enabled me to rise to a place where I can fully be myself, I thought of the richness of soul that the solidarity and love of these people have given me.