This artwork is drawn to illustrate the current banning of books that has been circulating in certain states within the U.S. I believe that our youngest years illuminate our most joyful time, and education bring justice. Advocacy, freedom, recognition, and acceptance bring justice.

I illustrated the various symbolism of movements and groups that are fighting for their recognition and acceptance. In order to highlight this from a personal perspective I made sure not to censor my tremors, as I always have, to expand upon the idea of expressing oneself, one’s imperfections, and anti-censorship.

In the illustration this is shown through details such as the rainbow rug for LGBTQ+, the BLM poster, the statistics of banned subjects, among others. These minute details, all building up to the main focal point, joy in justice. By each character reading the few main banned books within our nation, it shows that defiance brings justice and that the education of these topics brings justice. The books illustrated in a position facing the viewer, are those that are more commonly banned in the states as of 2023. Change only happens when you push against what is most comfortable. The subjects, people, and events are all highly important to the positive evolution our nation is capable of. We all deserve recognition, acceptance, love, and passion.