Inspiring Young Minds Through Art and Storytelling in Honduras - 2024

Creating artwork where children can see themselves and their lived experiences reflected is essential for nurturing self-esteem and a strong sense of belonging. I was deeply honored to donate several pieces to an elementary school in Honduras, offering students the chance to see themselves represented in a dignified way. The artwork, inspired by Garifuna culture and daily life, featured vibrant scenes of children with natural hair, traditional clothing, and familiar landscapes. Watching the students’ faces light up as they recognized elements of their own world in the images was incredibly moving.

As part of the visit, I also donated and read the book Garifuna: The Culture and Its People. The children were immediately engaged—some pointed to characters who looked like them or reminded them of friends and family. It was a powerful moment that underscored the importance of representation in books and the role storytelling plays in affirming identity, culture, and pride.