Black & Beautiful

Kamika Perry's artwork beautifully adorns the walls of Cloud Walking Cafe

For artist Kamika Perry, Black History Month serves as a period of reflection and positive outlook. She has faced numerous uncomfortable situations where she experienced discrimination simply for being Jamaican, black, or a woman.

"Andrews University would never openly admit it, but it was (and still is) one of the most racist places I've ever been in northern Indiana... and they claim to be Christian!" Kamika remarks, "I went through a lot there—most of it leading me to see myself as not good enough."

During Black History Month, she consistently felt she received unwelcome negative attention from both staff and peers at the school, who considered the observance of this month "a waste of time".

During my four years at Andrews, I was in a delicate artistic state, and my time there significantly harmed my self-esteem and dampened my enthusiasm for pursuing art with greater passion. Hearing from my college advisor that artists don't earn a living, and being consistently overlooked—seemingly intentionally—when teachers chose which students to commend for their creativity, left me doubting my own talent.

A striking abstract portrait created by Kamika Perry for the Black is Beautiful exhibit

In 2021, when Kamika truly regained her drive to create, she vowed never to look back. However, each time she picks up a brush, she hears echoes of whispers questioning her identity as an artist and suggesting she should quit—comments she frequently encountered at Andrews University.

When the chance arose to showcase her work at Cloud Walking Cafe in South Bend, IN, under the theme "Black & Beautiful," it was the first time Kamika considered that her art could be seen as beautiful. Although this might seem insignificant to others, Kamika struggled deeply with whether she truly believed this. And if she didn't, should she participate? The answer was a definitive "yes." To overcome her artistic trauma, taking the initial step against her internal doubts was always the right decision.

Each time Kamika confronts her artistic fears, she grows a bit stronger and more confident. This isn't solely due to the praise others have given her work, but also because Kamika herself has gradually begun to believe in her own talent and skills.

Honoring a Trailblazer

Alan Mills (left) and Kamika Perry (right) proudly pose beside her painted artwork on display

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Kamika Perry and her husband journeyed to Indianapolis, IN, where Kamika had the chance to unveil a commissioned painting she had been crafting for more than two months. This artwork was created to celebrate the pioneering career and life of Alan K. Mills.

Alan Mills retired after a long career at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Among his many accomplishments, he was the first Black man to become a partner in Indiana. However, he didn't stop there; he actively worked to support and uplift other talented Black lawyers. He bravely participated in challenging discussions and generously mentored and guided their professional journeys.

Kamika's mission was to uncover and capture his work at a firm that championed diversity, equity, and inclusion well before it became popular, as well as his life as a husband and father.

"This was undoubtedly my most challenging task to date. I aimed for the work to represent both tangible and intangible achievements. His greatest achievement wasn't altering his environment, but transforming hearts." Kamika explains,

"However, there were crucial turning points in his life that were most significant to him, and those were the moments he clung to during difficult times. Thus, I chose a color palette that symbolized the intangible and concentrated on these pivotal moments in his life." Click the link below to watch the tribute "Giant Steps" by Barnes & Thornburg.

View Tribute

Kamika Perry Captures her delivery of the commissioned piece.

"Freedom Is.." Solo Exhibition

In June 2023, Kamika Perry delved deeper into her creative journey by adding a new collection of abstract portraits to her work. This marked another milestone in her artistic career as she became the first artist to exhibit in the newly renovated St. Joseph Public Library exhibition space. "I am incredibly thankful to the St. Joseph County Library for giving me the opportunity to present my FIRST solo exhibition! This collection is titled Freedom is.." When asked about its meaning, Mrs. Perry explained, "Freedom simply is...the power to be." Perry's exhibition was featured on news channels WNDU and WSBT. Click the video below to watch.