In times of rapid change, it often feels like the ground is shifting beneath us.
The first two months of the Trump administration have decidedly been a time of rapid change.
Recent developments in education and the arts make this abundantly clear, sparking concern for the future of our children and our cultural landscape.
Last month, the Department of Education issued a two-week ultimatum to schools: remove diversity classes and hires or risk losing federal funding. This weekend, the department backtracked, citing legal limitations on dictating curricula. While the immediate threat might seem averted, the implications remain troubling.
As a mother of three young children, I can’t help but wonder how these policies will shape the education they receive and the worldview they develop. I am intentional in my domain. How do I prepare them for what is not?
The arts world, too, is under siege. The recent self-appointment of the president as chair of the Kennedy Center and the subsequent firings and resignations signal a dangerous shift. The arts have always been a beacon of free expression, yet this administration seems intent on controlling what is considered “acceptable” art, pushing an agenda that stifles creativity and diverse voices.
As an educator myself, I know firsthand the transformative power of inclusive and accurate learning environments. It’s devastating to see these efforts undermined in favor of a narrow, propagandized narrative.
These issues are deeply interconnected. Education and art are cornerstones of our collective consciousness—they shape how we see ourselves, our history, and our future. The erosion of these pillars is a direct attack on representation, inclusivity, and the ability to tell authentic stories.
This is why projects like Labor Pains are so crucial. Through this work, I am exploring and amplifying the stories of Black women whose labor has been the backbone of this nation, yet whose contributions are too often erased or overlooked. Art and storytelling have the power to challenge dominant narratives, to heal, and to inspire change.
But I can’t do it alone. Creating meaningful art takes resources, and I need your support. By donating to my GoFundMe campaign, you’re not just funding a project—you’re joining a movement to reclaim our stories and demand a future where our art reflects the truth, and remains a space for all voices to be heard.
This is our fight. Together, we can ensure that the next generation inherits a world where knowledge and creativity are celebrated, not censored. Will you join me?
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