Destiny Kirumira. “Human” was inspired by Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from the team gymnastics competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In an interview with her mother, she commented that although she expected backlash after choosing to take a step back, she marked it was the first time she felt human.

While Biles is a 7-time Olympic medal-winning athlete, at the start and end of each day she is first and foremost a human. As a Black woman, there are many injustices I either feel the need to or am expected to fight against. The moments I feel exhausted, or too tired to fight are often the moments I feel the weakest. However, I am reminded by Simone’s actions and through the actions of many other Black women, that my worth is not tied to my accomplishments or what people expect of me. My worth is inherently rooted in my humanity, which can never be severed from my soul.

I chose to paint Simone in a way that wasn’t hyper-focused on all her accomplishments or her reputation as an Olympic gymnast. In doing so, I hope to celebrate and emphasize how valuable her rest is.

Building a better future means creating a future where Black women don’t have to defend their humanity, but instead are celebrated for cherishing it.