"The mansion depicted in the background was the home of John W. Boddie. This wealthy cotton planter was known to be a cruel slave owner in Mississippi. Today, the 500 acre plot of land is home to Tougaloo College. I’ve had the pleasure of spending a lot of time on the campus. As a northerner, I was struck by the lingering darkness of the antebellum South. The power and control wielded over my ancestors was obscene. I’ve painted several subjects near the this house. Painting this young girl on the property affected me differently than the works of the African-American men. As I read and listen to the conversations we’re currently having, it’s striking how uneducated Americans are regarding our country’s real history. It’s embarrassing. Please educate yourself before you entering into a debate with someone on the topic of systemic oppression." The artist, June, 2020.