Marcus Kwame Anderson is an illustrator, cartoonist, and fine artist who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to upstate New York at an early age. He has long been immersed in the arts, and has a particular passion for sequential storytelling. Marcus tells stories through paint, graphite, ink, and through comic book narratives. His most recently published works are collaborations with David F. Walker: the Eisner Award-winning The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History and the Eisner nominated Big Jim and The White Boy.
The Deep Work (left)
This illustration speaks to the patience that anti-racist community development requires. It was inspired by a quote from a community development interviewee who said, “This is not a three-year grant, and you’re out. This is deep work.” The interviewee went on to speak about the fact that it can take decades of concentrated effort to rebuild a community. These words resonated with me. I believe in equity and know that true, sustainable change for communities of color can only happen through efforts that directly confront the effects of structural racism. The roots in my illustration represent the seeds that can be planted through anti-racist community development which centers the people. This work can be long, but it is worthwhile and can bear fruit with focus and intention.
Unlocking Possibilities Through Equity (right)
Structural racism creates countless barriers for communities of color. This piece illustrates the potential that our communities can realize through holistic, reparative, race-conscious efforts. Equity is key in unlocking the boundless potential that our communities hold. Building a just world requires us to balance that which has long been out of balance in our system. I believe in the power of the people.