Page 4 - Artistic Representation in Addressing Anti-Black Racism to Change Pedagogy and Practice

Context
The process to develop the artwork for
the Additional Qualification (AQ) Anti- Black Racism was multi-layered and complex. During the initial stages, Danilo Deluxo sat in while the writing team brainstormed perspectives and conceptual frameworks that would underpin and support development of the guidelines.
He documented the ideas, experiences, concepts, and critical components to
inform a visual narrative of the story behind each of the guidelines within this AQ. By
the end of each session, Danilo shared drafts of his creations, demonstrating the interconnectedness of his artistic process and the foundational elements of the guidelines. The intentionality and precision of Danilo’s creative process guided the creation of the artistic works provided within the guidelines.
Danilo limited his use of white in these works, which is in line with the conceptual frameworks that underpin the guidelines. This choice explicitly decentres whiteness in the histories, experiences, and legacies
of people of African descent. For these artist statements to most effectively support an informed integration in K-12 and professional learning contexts, it is important for educators to develop their understanding
of the following components that flow throughout all of Danilo’s artwork:
Principles of the Nguzo Saba:
The Nguzo Saba are the Seven Principles developed by Dr. Maulena Karenga in 1968. These principles were developed to reinforce aspects of African cultures and laid the original foundation for Kwanzaa. The Nguzo Saba contribute to an understanding of the social, ethical, and political ways people
of African descent build and support family, develop community, and sustain the culture and heritage of African, Afro-Caribbean,
and Black communities. Symbols and elements within the various pieces represent knowledge found in teachings, pedagogies, practices, and philosophies centred
in the Nguzo Saba and legacies of the African diaspora.
The Invisible Thread (Wane, 2021):
Throughout the pieces, the Invisible Thread is highlighted in diverse ways based on
the context of the visual story being told. The Invisible Thread (Wane, 2021) depicts the ways people of African descent are connected with and to the natural world, the African continent, and practices, beliefs and customs that are embedded within the experiences of African peoples. For more information regarding the Invisible Thread (Wane, 2021), please refer to the
AQ guidelines.
2 ARTISTIC REPRESENTATION ADDRESSING ANTI-BLACK RACISM TO CHANGE PEDAGOGY AND PRACTICE