"Grant Street Beach is a love letter to legacy, memory, and the joy of being seen."
This series was inspired by family photographs and community stories from Cape May, New Jersey’s historic Black beach—once a refuge during segregation, and later a tradition of choice. As I sifted through these images, I saw more than just smiling faces in the sun; I saw pride, resilience, and everyday beauty that deserved to be honored on canvas.
Painting these scenes, I aimed to hold space for both nostalgia and presence. I wanted to capture the glint of sunlight on skin, the sway of laughter on the breeze, and the layered emotions that come with being remembered. Each portrait is layered with intention, color, and emotion—rooted in my commitment to preserving stories that might otherwise be lost.
As a self-taught painter, I began creating in 2020 to tell stories like this—ones that reclaim space, celebrate Black identity, and connect us across time.
Grant Street Beach isn’t just about the past. It’s about the joy and dignity that lives in us still. And the importance of saying: you were here, and you mattered.
