"Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. We are civilizations’ radical voice"; —Paul Robeson.

Speaking to the radical idea of vital self-love as a fat Black queer woman from the South, artist and scholar Dr. Jessica Jamese Williams (Dr. J) will use principles of self-love and acceptance as a framework for shame resilience. Focal questions for discussion include:

● What does it mean to love yourself outloud in a world insistent on denying your humanity?
● What are the possibilities for Black Art and representation of Black life within art?
● What must be present for You to feel Seen?
● How are You contributing to the canvas?

Participants will be given the opportunity to reflect on their experience in the workshop with the
limitation that their reflection is bound by only one breath. This practice gently forces brevity,
intentional thought, precision and clarity when sharing. The 2023 Class of Robeson Fellows will be
featured panelists with Dr. Williams.

Jessica Jamese Williams, PhD is a Black feminist artist and educator dedicated to cultivating  authenticity as a means to empowerment. Following a decade-long career in higher education, Dr. J now works primarily as a client-proclaimed Discomfort Doula. Dr. J’s work often focuses on helping individuals and organizations process uncomfortable elements that are often barriers to connection, engagement, belonging and inclusion. Most notably, Dr. J contributed an essay entitled Black Surrender Within the Ivory Tower to the New York Times best selling anthology, "You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame and the Black Experience."

Presented in partnership with Paul Robeson House Princeton

Honoring the Legacy of Paul Robeson 125 years later