Acts of Service

This painting symbolizes the love and community I experienced at Howard University. It’s a self-portrait with hands of those who impacted my time at Howard, including my Howard Family and alumni family members, twisting my hair to represent our strong community. I believe taking care of natural hair is an act of love, which is why I depict it in my art.

The title, “Acts of Service,” reflects Howard’s motto and the love language of acts of service. The various hands, poses, and skin tones represent the diverse community, while the lilies symbolize my growth as an artist. I hold a jar of hair product inspired by Madam C. J. Walker, the pioneering entrepreneur from Indianapolis. She was the first woman to achieve self-made millionaire status through her line of Black hair care products. Madam C. J. Walker is a trailblazer and an inspiration to countless Black women, including myself.

Meet The Artist

Sacha Reid is a junior at Howard University, where she is pursuing an interdisciplinary studies major with a minor in painting. Hailing from West Virginia, Sacha is a talented painter and mixed media artist who uses her artwork to celebrate her family, Jamaican culture, and her experiences as a young Black woman in a predominantly white area.

Her work often involves Black portraiture, through which she explores her relationship with her culture and Blackness, paying homage to Black girls, including her younger self. As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Sacha is motivated to not only represent her culture but also to push herself professionally and take pride in her abilities.

Sacha has exhibited her artwork at prestigious venues such as the French Embassy in DC and a student exhibition at Art Basel in Miami. Sacha wants to continue exploring Black portraiture, set up a studio for larger projects, and become a curator to support and showcase Black artists.

IG: @sachacreid @sachsstudio