African American Artist Illustrates the Power of Black Women | NowThis 

Artist Jamilla Okubo is using her craft to illustrate the power of Black women.
» Subscribe to NowThis: go.nowth.is/New...
» Sign up for our newsletter KnowThis to get the biggest stories of the day delivered straight to your inbox: go.nowth.is/Kn...
[NOTE: This video was originally published in August 2019.]
Raised in Washington DC, Jamilla Okubo uses her art to give a positive visual representation of Black women. Okubo is vocal about empowering women because of her upbringing. She grew up with her mother and grandmother after her parents divorced and her father moved back to Kenya. Okubo's father came to visit when she was thirteen, and that's when she became curious to learn more about his side of the family and their culture.
It’s not until she transferred to an arts school in DC that she was first introduced to Black contemporary artists and Black contemporary art. It was then that she realized she could make art about herself and her culture. She started asking her father and her uncle questions so she could learn more about Kenya and incorporate that knowledge into her art.
Okubo was chosen to lead an Art Lab at Apple’s StoryMakers Festival 2019, where she was able to represent Black artists and Black Art. She’s been focusing on African American art, African American art history, and folk tales as inspiration.
Through her work, Okubo is illustrating the power of Black women, while inspiring other African American artists.
“With art specifically... no matter what kind of day you’re having, whether it’s bad or good keep making work,” she says.
#Art #BlackArt #Women #Empowerment #HerStories #NowThis #NowThisNews
Connect with NowThis
» Subscribe to NowThis News: go.nowth.is/New...
» Like us on Facebook: go.nowth.is/New...
» Tweet us on Twitter: go.nowth.is/New...
» Follow us on Instagram: go.nowth.is/New...
» Find us on Snapchat Discover: go.nowth.is/New...
Her Stories profiles modern female changemakers, showcasing women who are breaking boundaries, defying stereotypes, and making a difference - right now - in their communities, professional industries, and around the world.
NowThis is your premier news outlet providing you with all the videos you need to stay up to date on all the latest in trending news. From entertainment to politics, to viral videos and breaking news stories, we’re delivering all you need to know straight to your social feeds. We live where you live.
/ nowthisnews
@nowthisnews