Each illustration tells a personal story for me, and collectively they demonstrate a vulnerable side of Black people that’s not often acknowledged by society, our communities, or even ourselves. We are subject to numerous negative stereotypes that limit our free range of desires, prospects and emotions, leading to damaging effects on our social interactions and mental health.

This collection, aptly named “For sad girls and lonely boys”, features Black women and men in a way we refuse to see them: vulnerable.

We tend to combat the negatives (like "aggressive" or "ghetto") with words like "strong" and "resilient", forgetting that there is also a sensitive side to all of us in need of care and tenderness.

If you wish to continue the conversation on the impacts of adverse stereotypes on people of colour, leave a comment below.