Mustafa

Mustafa means "chosen one."  Africa is the birthplace of civilization, making Black men the father of all people.  Mustafa embodies his African roots and also represents all Black men.  I looked at this painting for hours after I was done with it and I was captivated, intrigrued, and mesmerized by his eyes, nose, mouth, and hair. His features represent everything I love about Blackness; but, I also  knew many people would stare at his nose, mouth, and eyes in a way that would not comfort their soul, but make them nervous.  Mustafa represents so many Black men that have been allowed to thrive and whom have also been taken away to soon because of society's standards for what Black men should look like.  I love Mustafa and see all the wonderful, powerful, intelligent men in him.  Mustafa is part of my bloodline, ancestors and descendents.