BLACK BY DESIGN
The Black by Design Symposium and Virtual Exhibition is a thought-provoking exploration into the diverse landscape of Black design, where creativity intersects with cultural identity and societal transformation. Scholars, designers, and artists will examine the dynamic world of design through the lens of African American heritage and creativity.
Through a panel discussion and a virtual exhibition, participants will have the chance to broaden their understanding of the various aspects of Black design and its influence across fields such as graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, and interior architecture.
The anticipated value and impact of the event lie in its potential to inspire meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration across disciplines, and drive positive change within the design industry. By amplifying the voices and perspectives of Black designers and addressing sociopolitical and cultural issues, the symposium will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive design landscape.
Awarded First Place at BLACK BY DESIGN Exhibition
Selected as one of the top design submissions for the Representation and Empowerment at BLACK BY DESIGN, a juried exhibition celebrating innovation and creativity within the Black design community. The panel of judges featured a distinguished roster of industry professionals, including:
Ugochi Iwuaba – Acclaimed fashion designer and founder of the eponymous luxury brand.
Kevin Bethune – Founder of dreams • design + life and former VP of Strategic Design at BCG.
Matthew Barnes – Creative Director and multidisciplinary designer.
Steffi Reyes-Thomas – Brand strategist and design consultant.
Michael Robinson – Design executive and innovation leader.
Justin Green – Visual artist and creative director.
Erwin Hines – Founder of Future Is Color and design director.
Their collective expertise spans fashion, product design, brand strategy, and innovation—making this recognition especially meaningful.
This four-poster series explores themes deeply rooted in the Black experience, including the silencing of Black narratives, the richness of African culture, and the ongoing issue of police brutality in America. Each piece was designed to provoke reflection, stir emotion, and challenge the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths through bold visuals and symbolism.
Poster 1 – “YOU CAN’T SILENCE OUR STORIES”
In response to the widespread banning of books by Black authors across more than 30 states—including works like The Color Purple and The Autobiography of Malcolm X—this poster uses a layered collage of book pages as its backdrop. These pages represent banned and censored literature, forming the foundation for the defiant message: “YOU CAN’T SILENCE OUR STORIES.” The typography is built from the words on those very pages, underscoring the resilience and unyielding nature of Black voices.
Poster 2 – Cultural Legacy
African culture has long shaped global trends in music, fashion, and art—serving not only as inspiration but also as a vessel to preserve and pass down traditions. This poster features a silhouetted figure wrapped in patterns associated with African and African American heritage. The visual speaks to the enduring influence of Black culture and its power to educate, empower, and connect across generations.
Poster 3 – “TO PROTECT AND SERVE?”
Police brutality remains a persistent crisis within our society, leading us to confront the painful question: “Who are you protecting?” This poster uses visual tension to evoke discomfort—featuring caution tape, part of a police car, and shadowy textures. The phrase “TO PROTECT AND SERVE?” is surrounded by darkness, amplifying its irony and forcing viewers to question institutional roles in systemic harm.
Poster 4 – “I’M NOT A TARGET.”
The final poster delivers a visceral statement against racial profiling and violence. The phrase “I’M NOT A TARGET.” is boldly printed on a shooting target riddled with bullet holes—representing the countless Black lives unjustly marked by violence. The intent is to cut through desensitization and provoke empathy, outrage, and action.