Painting My Truth: The Black Experience Unveiled

Presenter and Advisor Information

Tyrin Sykes, Illinois Wesleyan University

Major

English – Writing

Submission Type

Oral Presentation

Area of Study or Work

English-Writing

Faculty Advisor

Michael Theune

Location

CNS E102

Start Date

4-12-2025 8:30 AM

End Date

4-12-2025 9:30 AM

Abstract

“Painting My Truth: The Black Experience Unveiled” is a collection of poems centered mainly around my life and experiences of being a Black man in America. More importantly, it focuses on the lived experiences Black individuals go through on a daily basis: black love, violence, racism, heartbreak, and so much more. Through ekphrastic writing—writing that uses the visual arts as its subject matter and/or inspiration—I tell the story of these many lived experiences as a way to cultivate and acknowledge the beauty and cruelness of the Black experience. The Black Experience is an experience that deserves to be highlighted for not just its traumatic experiences, but for its historic runs of love, prosperity, and joy. However, the beauty of the Black experience is that one gets to portray it in their own unique way, allowing one to use their own experience to tell the story. In the end, I hope this project allows others to not only learn more about what comes with the Black experience, but my experience and how it made me who I am today.

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Apr 12th, 8:30 AM Apr 12th, 9:30 AM

Painting My Truth: The Black Experience Unveiled

CNS E102

“Painting My Truth: The Black Experience Unveiled” is a collection of poems centered mainly around my life and experiences of being a Black man in America. More importantly, it focuses on the lived experiences Black individuals go through on a daily basis: black love, violence, racism, heartbreak, and so much more. Through ekphrastic writing—writing that uses the visual arts as its subject matter and/or inspiration—I tell the story of these many lived experiences as a way to cultivate and acknowledge the beauty and cruelness of the Black experience. The Black Experience is an experience that deserves to be highlighted for not just its traumatic experiences, but for its historic runs of love, prosperity, and joy. However, the beauty of the Black experience is that one gets to portray it in their own unique way, allowing one to use their own experience to tell the story. In the end, I hope this project allows others to not only learn more about what comes with the Black experience, but my experience and how it made me who I am today.