BuzzFeed News featured my photo series "Come to Selfhood" in an article by Gabriel H. Sanchez, published on February 28, 2019. This series grapples with the definition of masculinity for Black men in America today, using striking portraits, old family pictures, and handwritten testimonies to break through stereotypes and myths of Black masculinity. The feature emphasized the importance of representation and honesty in my work, aiming to open an honest conversation about the experiences of Black men.

The article highlighted how "Come to Selfhood" took shape in response to the frequent killings of unarmed Black men by police officers, starting with Trayvon Martin in 2012 and Michael Brown in 2014. These events moved me to create work that compares the Black Lives Matter movement to the civil rights movement of the ’60s while examining societal perceptions of Black men. My goal is for viewers to see their sons, brothers, and fathers in the images, fostering empathy and sparking decisive action.

BuzzFeed News shared a selection of images and testimonies from "Come to Selfhood," emphasizing the human experience of Black men. The inclusion of personal narratives, like those of Jeremiah Thompson and Johnathan Marshall, adds depth to the series, highlighting themes of identity, masculinity, and the challenges of being Black and queer. This feature amplifies the significance of my work, showcasing its impact on contemporary discussions about race, identity, and social justice.