Enduring Spirit

Safornia Fron Nina Simone "Four Women"

Enduring Spirit is a collection of African American art first exhibited at the columbia Museum that celebrates the strength, brilliance, and enduring presence of Black women. Using charcoal drawing, collage, and mixed media, I weave together visual narratives that honor women as the foundation of family and community. These works acknowledge not only the burdens they have carried but also the beauty, wisdom, and creativity that radiate from their lives.

This contemporary art series grew from both cultural history and personal memory, reflecting women who held entire households together while navigating systems that often misrepresented or undervalued them. Each torn paper fragment and layered stroke of charcoal speaks to complexity: resilience, yes, but also love, elegance, and the spiritual grounding they provide.

By presenting Black women as powerful figures rather than background characters, Enduring Spirit challenges viewers to look deeper, to recognize what has been endured, and to celebrate what has been given. In the end, the series is not about survival alone — it is about brilliance, dignity, and an enduring spirit that lights the way for generations to come.