Weslyn

Weslyn, age 18 from Minneapolis, MN, aspires to be a lawyer, but her real dream lies in social activism. If you’re curious about where she found a community that shares her passion, check out a little more about the Best Buy Teen Tech Centers: https://bby.me/BestBuyTeenTechCenter. Creator’s Statement — Ruel Smith, Animation Director Weslyn's words and actions are a powerful reminder of the change rooted in the Black youth. It is important to match Weslyn’s words to an equally powerful and very symbolic visual. The idea of a young Black woman trotting through town, on her horse in her graduation gown, is meant to be bold. It showcases her power and regality. Her sense of presence and conviction. It emboldens the progress this country has made but also still needs to make. In one moment we capture two things which were illegal for a person of Weslyn’s race at a different point in America’s history. Two things made illegal because they provided a sense of power and freedom. Something as simple as riding a horse and something as provoking as getting an education. Through this piece and her words, Weslyn embodies the essence of Lady Liberty, boldly and unapologetically making her way toward Lady Justice to demand change. Weslyn and this piece represents the new Black youth.