As the digital ink begins to fade on think pieces written both in criticism and in celebration of millennials, we find that in its wake even more stories emerge. They are the stories of a more empowered, more persistent, take no prisoners generation of kid sisters and brothers that came to do anything but play around.
While you may know certain Gen Y standouts like Yara Shahidi, Zendaya, and Amandla Stenberg- young women that showcase their activism as an equal counterpart to their art- you may not be as familiar with a content creator by the name of Arial Robinson. Robinson is a 19-year old North Carolina A&T State University sophomore, and treasure, that the Queen City has the privilege of calling our very own.
Upon scrolling her Instagram page, you come to find out so much more about the young artist. From her observations on social and political injustices and her made-up “fake Nike campaigns,” to her creative work that shows the depth of her constantly working imaginative mind.
The most visually striking of these creations may be her newest photo series, “The Black ABCs.” In this, Robinson stages and shoots visual depictions of Black culture utilizing a vintage flashcard format, while showcasing every letter of the alphabet.
The series was inspired by the work of two Chicago teachers affiliated with the Society for Visual Education, who created and produced a set of photo cards by the same name in 1970. The year 2020 marks 50 years of The Black ABCs serving as a learning tool for African American students everywhere. Robinsons’s modern day take of the series represents the ushering in of a grandchild of sorts. Although her images reflect modern day Black life, the colors, filters and lighting styles boast a vintage feel- a nod to the original.
“I am happy to be a part of taking back control of the narrative,” Robinson told The Block. “Growing up in West Charlotte, what I saw being exemplified as Black culture in my personal life, as well as the media, often had negative and violent associations.”
She once thought that only white people experienced genuine joy. It wasn’t until the emergence of social media that she witnessed Black people living prosperous lives, taking vacations, and flourishing in their careers and personal relationships.
“My vision was to pull quiet, yet meaningful moments from the Black experience, and share them with the generation coming after me,” she said. “My hope is that they never struggle in seeing the beauty in being Black, no matter what outside influences may attempt to persuade.”
A favorite photo from the series might be “I is for Illustrious,” which often serves as the description that HBCU attendees and alumni use to refer to their college.
In the image, Robinson snaps herself as the subject, while seated on a stool facing a towering bookshelf. She’s dressed in a baseball cap and a varsity jacket, with various patches depicting several other Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Another favorite is “P is for Pride,” where the fist of a Black femme is risen with squared red nails so long, the tips cannot fold comfortably into the palm- a style reminiscent of the 90’s and eagerly making its return to trendiness.
“I am happy to be a part of taking back control of the narrative”
Arial Robinson
After being back home in Charlotte due to the pandemic induced school break, Robinson has managed to plan, produce, and release the entire photo series her Twitter and Instagram accounts, She has garnered over one million impressions in just under a month.
At the insistence of her followers, Robinson has now moved into producing a bound hard copy of ‘The Modern Day Black Alphabet’ book. Within 3 weeks, and no real advertising or marketing beyond her own social media, 100 copies of the book were sold. She celebrated with a dedicated post and a green cupcake holding the numerical candles 1-0-0.
This young Charlotte artist is a gift. She is a creative force and the definition of afrofuturism in present tense. The crazy part of it all, she is just getting started.
Not only does she create in this way, but her amazing singing voice shows that she is multi-talented. When asked if there was room in the near future for an album, she smiled and said, “maybe.”
This is proof that there is much more to the artistry of Arial Robinson, and we can’t wait to witness.
To see what’s next for Arial Robinson, you can visit her website: www.arialrobinson.com or check out her Instagram: @im.arial.
