Radical Reclamation, 2021

This piece is about “radical reclamation” which is only radical because of the process of Black exclusion. And just like the exclusion of Black Africans as ancient Egyptians by white Egyptologist there have been attempts to erase punk rock as an extension of black musical tradition and the ongoing contributions black punk rockers continue to make to the genre. The Black Rock Coalition (BRC) have been at the forefront of this mission. Founded in NYC in 1985, The Black Rock Coalition formed in order to support and preserve Black musical artistic expression and placed black Americans at the center of rock & roll, pushing back against racism in the music industry.

In the spirit of defiance, rebellion and creativity, the fro hawk wearing black punk rocker featured in this piece decapitates a symbol of American institutional might and economic prowess; the Empire State Building. The figure usurps institutional attempts to define and codify who they shall be as an American but more importantly, a Black American. This is what punk has sought to do, much like its cousin hip hop and uncle bebop. This work has been overseen by the empress of rock Sister Rosetta Tharpe as shown with criss crossing electric guitars displayed underneath her.