With February being Black History Month and this past year causing an uprise and movement across the world surrounding Black Lives Matter, I got inspired to feature a student who is using her art to combat racism and bring change starting at the local level.

In June 2020, the BLM was heavy within Allentown, bringing several peaceful protests along with it. During this time, several social media platforms were filled with information and people speaking out against racism, advocating for the lives lost all in support of the movement. I came across a video of one of my classmates sharing her poetry at one of the protests. Seeing this brought so much hope and inspiration ... to think that someone my age was using their art to fight for something they believed in.

This week’s “Artist of the Week” is Salisbury’s very own: Trinity Jefferson. This powerful, African-American, young woman uses art in general as a form of passion, connection and communication. She uses influential figures past and present to inspire her work and incorporates her own experiences of living and existing as an African-American in these times.

I had the privilege to interview Trinity and hear her passionate response to many of these questions. It truly demonstrates how there have been great improvements throughout history for the black community; however, changes need to continue to be made. These changes begin on the local level. In your own neighborhood, town, county, city, state, it goes on and on. Jefferson is using her voice to do what she can to bring change for a cause she desperately believes in and fights for, inspiring other youth to do the same. Jefferson is like our own Maya Angelou.

Q. What does art mean to you?

A. “Art is producing something whether it may be a poem, artwork, dance or song, creatively driven from a wide range of passions. Art means a lot to me. It’s a form of expression that can serve as an outlet for our true selves and to connect with others in an impactful way. I think we live every day without seeing the importance of art itself; it’s not just a museum filled with paintings, it’s on television, the music we listen to and even in the words we speak to one another.”

Q. Why do you use art?

A. “I simply use art because I like to communicate with people through art. We can have conversations, but I enjoy when I’m able to speak through my poems and art with metaphors and ideas that are not the typical everyday exchanges. I incorporate activism within my art because I believe the best way to get someone’s attention is by making them feel something. Art is its own language that speaks to the brain and heart. I’ve never seen change within the world without someone having the power of words and I believe I’ve been gifted with that ability to make change.”

Q. What are some inspirations that spark your creativity?

A. “The majority of my inspiration comes from great Black writers that came before me who had to endure racism while trying to have their voices heard. These Black trailblazers include Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde and many more. They are truly the motivators that push me to continue to amplify my voice and the voices around me. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them. Other than inspiration, what sparks my creativity is anything that I am passionate about, whether it is Black Lives Matter, gun control, mental health, etc. When I can have passion for these topics, it makes my creative process flow easier because I already have so much to say.”

Q. Why is BLM so important? What can we do within the community to support this movement and our black community?

A. “The Black Lives Matter movement is important because Black people shouldn’t be sentenced to death just because of the color of their skin. The movement is a cry out to the people to wake up and see that police brutality is happening to the Black community. This issue goes beyond the systemic racism in law enforcement, it includes the prisons, medical fields, education, housing and job opportunities that all discriminate, especially against Black people.

“Change will not happen overnight. As a community, we must identify racism and our own biases and not be ignorant or silent if we want equity for our friends, families and neighbors. If you see or hear acts of racism such as stereotypes and microaggressions, you need to acknowledge and address their wrongdoings. You can raise and spread awareness through conversations, signing petitions and identifying injustices. To be a supportive community, we should always stay informed and inform others about the injustices and effects of White Supremacy.”

Q. What do you personally stand for and are fighting for?

A. “Personally, I stand for what’s right. No matter race, disability, religion, gender or sexuality, no one should be treated less than, murdered or exploited because of their differences. I fight to make the world a better place for generations to come. Overall I believe if my voice can help someone else live a better life, why not use it?”

I hope this local artist and student’s words deeply penetrate your thoughts this week. It is truly amazing to see students rising up and taking this role of activism. Below is Jefferson’s poem “Tired of Oppression in the Body of Blackness.” Please consider giving it a read. That’s all for this week; stay tuned for more student news.

“Tired of Oppression in the Body of Blackness”

By: Trinity Jefferson

I woke up tired this morning

Not because I didn’t get any rest

But because

Living Black is a nightmare

Rooted so deep

I can’t even dream in my sleep

Every morning

I wash my face in realization

That my Blackness is something

I could never erase and never escape

I see beauty and regrets in the choices

I never made

Being Black is like a traumatizing sickness

That treatments that can’t even help

With symptoms such as

Lost of breath, heartache, paranoia and fatigue

Every morning

Is a continuous home-going service

With babies draped in white promise lands

With brown families that never stop mourning

Every morning

I hear voices

Telling me to put my hands up

As if my mouth was formed

To scream “Don’t shoot!”

As if my toothbrush was a gun

In the moonlight

I die

And every sunrise

Is a resurrection

Of the names

Left behind

Today it was Eric Garner

The day before, it was Breonna Taylor

Last week it could have been me ...

Every morning

I drink a fresh glass of water

So the flowers on the graveyards in my memory can grow

So they can smile and have something pretty to look at

And know their spilled blood

Didn’t spoil

But bloomed

Every morning

I question “Why didn’t I stay asleep?”

I can’t even dream in my sleep

Rooted so deep

Living Black is a nightmare

Not because I didn’t get any rest

But because

I wake up tired every morning

Another poem by Trinity Jefferson

I’ve lived all my life being Martin

Now I’m waiting for Malcolm to come

like the risen Messiah

They say peace

but really mean silence

We say protest

and they hear violence

We see humans

they see weapons

My eyes want peace

but my heart wants vengeance