Testify: From Top 200 to Top 50—A Journey of Joy and Gratitude

Can I just tell you how excited I’ve been throughout this whole journey? When I submitted my portfolio from Testify to Photolucida's Critical Mass, I was buzzing with excitement and hope. This project means so much to me, and when I found out on August 14 that I made the Top 200, I was over the moon. Being recognized for work that digs deep into identity, history, and reclamation? Total honor!

Shoutout to Mara from Nova24 for making this happen. She was at the opening of my Testify exhibition at Michigan State University Detroit Center (another huge milestone!), and during that weekend, she pulled me aside and suggested I apply to Critical Mass. There were only two days left to submit, but she believed in me and gave me that nudge I needed. I’m so grateful she saw something in my work and encouraged me to go for it.

I also want to give a big thank you to the amazing team at the MSU Detroit Center. They truly went above and beyond to make Testify happen, and I couldn’t have asked for a better support system.

Then today, as I’m picking up prints from Unfolding Creative and heading to Womenhouse to work on my installation, I got the email—I made the Top 50! I was legit giddy driving over there. And if that wasn’t enough, a few hours later, I found out I also received the Photolucida Michael Reichmann grant! I literally screamed, probably scared a few people, but it was all worth it. Everyone at Womenhouse joined in the celebration, and it just reminded me how much community matters in all of this.

Of course, I have to thank my family and friends, who are always with me every step of the way. Your love and support mean everything to me. Thank you to Photolucida and the all the jurors. Also, congrats to the Top 200 and the Top 50.

I wouldn’t be here without Mara, the team at MSU, my amazing artist friends, and my family. I’m so pumped for what’s next and can’t wait to share more with you tomorrow about Womxnhouse, along with my involvement in the Uncork for the Cure gala with Neiman Marcus Troy, where I donated a portrait to support breast cancer research.