Akilah Johnson, a high school sophomore from Washington, D.C., has been picked as the winner of the 2016 Doodle 4 Google contest, the company announced Monday. Her artwork, titled “Afrocentric life,” is featured on the Google home page.
According to Google, she was picked out of 100,000 participants from 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and D.C. Five national finalists were invited to spend the day at Google Headquarters in California for the award ceremony.
The eighth annual competition called for young artists to create their own Doodle, with the theme “What Makes Me… Me.”
Johnson, 15, decided to honor her black heritage with her Doodle. She drew it using colored pencils, black crayons and Sharpie markers.
My goal with my art was to not only turn heads but souls as well—not only for someone to see it and be amazed by it but also to have them understand and connect with it. My drawing explores childhood themes and then moves into reflections on our society. Everything surrounding the word “Google” depicts my characteristics. Of all the things I chose to include, the six most special to me are the Symbol of Life (the ankh), the African continent, where everything began for me and my ancestors, the Eye of Horus, the word “power” drawn in black, the woman’s fist based on one of my favorite artist’s works, and the D.C. flag—because I’m a Washingtonian at heart and I love my city with everything in me!
I truly adore the art & the artist! The piece is beautiful, colorful, moving & thoughtful. All of the images represented in the piece reflect her depth of character & love of her heritage. Congratulations to you Akilah!
https://blackmattersus.com/5235-meet-15-year-old-akilah-johnson-first-black-to-ever-win-a-national-google-doodle-competition/
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