Superhero Cape, 2007, 48” x 75,” cotton rope, gold thread

Superhero Cape is related in theme and material to my self portrait. Cotton and my ancestors were both considered "cash crops." The cape is a reflection of my own need to save myself from traumatic childhood experiences: poverty, abuse. Children are so resilient and powerful and too often have to become our own heroes. The Associated Press published an article in 2017 and 2019 about how racism and bias deny black girls a childhood, and are subject to harsher punishment and adultification of behavior.