The Power of Representation: Why Including Black People in Your Digital Illustrations Matters

By John D Saunders

Representation is an important aspect of digital illustrations. It not only serves as a tool for artistic expression but also plays a significant role in creating a sense of inclusivity and diversity.

UNFORTUNATELY, THE LACK of representation of Black people in digital illustrations is a significant issue that has been going on for a long time. This article aims to highlight the importance of including Black people in your digital illustrations and the impact it can have on representation and inclusivity.

Why representation matters

Representation is important because it impacts our psychological and emotional well-being. Seeing oneself represented in media and advertising can create a sense of belonging, while the absence of representation can lead to feelings of exclusion and marginalization. The lack of representation of Black people in digital illustrations contributes to stereotypes and prejudice, leading to a narrow and distorted view of Black people.

However, there are examples of successful representation in media and advertising. The success of Black Panther, for example, showed the impact of positive representation on the audience. The film’s emphasis on African culture and Black excellence provided a sense of pride and belonging to Black viewers.

The lack of Black representation in digital illustrations

Despite the growing awareness of the need for representation and inclusivity, Black people are still underrepresented in digital illustrations. According to a study by Allure, out of 156 fashion and beauty brands analyzed, only 15% of their

Instagram posts featured Black people. This lack of representation is not only harmful to Black people but also limits the perspective and creativity of artists and designers.

The lack of Black representation in digital illustrations has an adverse impact on society as a whole. When Black people are not represented, it reinforces the false narrative that Black people are unimportant or insignificant. This can lead to further discrimination and prejudice, which can affect the mental health and wellbeing of Black people.

Benefits of including Black people in your digital illustrations

There are several benefits to including Black people in your digital illustrations. First and foremost, it increases representation and inclusivity, which is essential in promoting diversity and equality. Additionally, including Black people in your digital illustrations can connect you with a wider audience, including the Black community. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and promote diversity by showing the world that Black people are multidimensional and complex.

Conclusion

Incorporating Black people in your digital illustrations is crucial for representation and inclusivity. The lack of representation of Black people in digital illustrations perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces the false narrative that Black people are unimportant or insignificant. By including Black people in your digital illustrations, you can help promote diversity, equality, and inclusivity. https://www.blackillustrations.com/blog/thepower-of-representation

Remember, when including Black people in your digital illustrations, it is essential to avoid harmful stereotypes, conduct research, consult with Black people, incorporate diverse perspectives, and consider hiring Black artists. Together, we can create a more inclusive and representative world through digital illustrations.

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Image credit: Black Illustrations

BECOMING THE National Small Business

Person of the Year is like winning the big game, at least for Abdirahman Kahin.

Kahin earned the Small Business Administration's pinnacle award in May for his work as the founder of Afro Deli & Grill, an African fusion restaurant. The award is largely symbolic, as the winner walks away with bragging rights. For the SBA, he's a shining example of how the agency's pandemicera lending turned a struggling business into a winner

"It's news that I've always wished to hear," Kahin tells Inc. "It's huge. It's like winning the Super Bowl: You can feel the emotion of when you win the Super Bowl, so it's the equivalent of that magnitude."

Kahin arrived in the United States from Somalia in 1996. Part of what drew him to the food industry, he says, is how food can be a bridge among different people.

And that's just what his restaurant seeks to do: bring cultures together and introduce them to African cuisine. Afro Deli serves a menu of cuisine options ranging from sambusas (meat-filled pastries from Somalia) to chapati noodles and sweet plantains. Afro Deli opened 13 years ago in the Twin Cities and now has four locations across Minnesota.

While he admits he isn't a cook, Kahin saw an opportunity after seeing so many Africans in America. "I managed another restaurant and began planning out my vision of an African fusion concept that could be as popular as Chipotle," he says. "I realized the fusion concept was a great way to bring cultures together and introduce African cuisine to the mainstream."

Kahin also believes in social entrepreneurship and making good food accessible. That's why Afro Deli partnered with groups like Meals on Wheels to help address food insecurity within its community.