‘Free to Be’: Kitty Hawk Middle School Student Wins MLK Commission’s Citywide Art Contest
January 3, 2022 - San Antonio
Let freedom ring. “This year’s theme Free to Be…is an expression of creativity, freedom, and self-determination,” said District 2 City Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez in a Dec. 17 statement. Artwork: Cyaundra Chatman.
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Cyaundra Chatman's artwork titled "Free to Be..." is the winner of the 7th Annual Citywide Art Contest
- The vibrant piece will be featured throughout the MLK commemoration and celebration events
The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission have announced that Cyaundra Chatman’s artwork titled Free to Be… is the winner of the commission’s 7th Annual Citywide Art Contest. The intriguing piece will be featured throughout this month’s MLK commemoration and celebration events.
Chatman, a 12-year-old student at Judson Independent School District’s Kitty Hawk Middle School, created her vibrant entry using a sketch pad, pencil, pen, and markers.
“I was inspired by Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech when he talks about all people are created equal, racial injustice, and how we are all God’s children,” said Chatman in a Dec. 17 statement. “To me, Free to Be… means you are free to be yourself no matter what it is.”
The young artist believes that everyone should be accepted for who they are and comfortable in their own skin.
Chatman’s winning submission, as per the contest’s tradition, will be showcased as the visual representation of the 2022 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative March and Legacy Celebration which will take place at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 17.
“This year’s theme Free to Be…is an expression of creativity, freedom, and self-determination,” said District 2 City Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, an accomplished muralist in his own right. “Following a challenging series of years, it’s important to remind ourselves that we are not limited by our circumstances - we are limitless. We are free to aspire, to challenge the status quo, to lead and inspire.”
Competitively scored by a panel based on concept, artistic imagery, visual presentation, and originality, the Citywide Art Contest provides young people with an opportunity to play a significant role in the celebration through the visual arts.
“Art is an integral part of telling our story as a city and a nation,” said Krystal Jones, interim executive director of the Department of Arts & Culture. “It is exciting to see our youth use their creativity to reflect Dr. King’s message and continue San Antonio’s longstanding history as a city that honors his legacy.”
Since 1987, the City of San Antonio has celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an annual series of events leading up to one of the largest marches in the nation. The MLK commemorative events will be held on both on virtual platforms and in-person.
“It is my pleasure to congratulate Cyaundra and all the aspiring young artists who enriched this annual citywide art contest with their creativity and thoughtfulness,” said Jones.
To learn more about the 35th Annual MLK March and Legacy Celebration, click here. Find out more about the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture here or follow their @getcreativesa handle on social media.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @satx_writer