Writing Projects

An academic and visual exploration into the exploitation of Black trauma and stereotypes in film and television. This thesis investigates the historical roots of harmful archetypes and proposes design as a transformative tool for reclaiming authentic representation and driving social change.

An interactive children’s zine following twin sisters Brooklyn and Londyn through their "Hair Day" routine. This project combines storytelling with activity-based learning (coloring and word searches) to promote self-love, patience, and the beauty of natural hair textures for young readers.

An intimate, self-reflective photo diary that chronicles a life lived in Los Angeles. This project blends original photography, archival family photos, and personal diary excerpts to explore themes of identity, resilience, and the "mosaic" of human experience.

A deep-dive research paper exploring society’s obsession with Black trauma in media and the "palatability" requirements imposed on Black artists. This work argues for the liberation of Black storytelling, moving beyond the "trauma-art feedback loop" toward a future that celebrates Black normalcy and joy. + A pair of compelling presentations that challenge the industry’s reliance on Black suffering as a primary narrative tool. By contrasting historical stereotypes with modern examples of "Black Joy" and normalcy, these projects advocate for a media landscape that celebrates the full spectrum of Black identity.

A compelling editorial series that deconstructs the representation of Black identity in film and television. Through deep-dive research and sophisticated layout design, these zines analyze the evolution of the Black family dynamic and the historical impact of media tropes like "The Jezebel."