The Watermelon Race

This work of art created by Palmer Hayden titled "The Watermelon Race," stood out to me the most, especially as an African American. Palmer Hayden was one of the more controversial painters associated with the Harlem Renaissance, the boom of Black American culture that began in the 1920s. Hayden frequently referred to African American folklore in many of his artistic expressions, at times creating critics that believed that they played into racist stereotypes. During the 1920's, this may have been an acceptable portrait and a reflection of what lower class blacks did for fun. I think Hayden intended on creating it for just that purpose, and for the audience of African Americans. Unfortunately, this image today, I feel is a very derogatory piece that portrays blacks in negative stereotype. It's very sad that we are frowned upon and constantly associated with these type of images because they are a part of our culture that we should be able to embrace, and not cower in shame of. This is a very nice illustration for its time, very powerful to me as a part of my background. Palmer Hayden used great color and attention to detail in the painting that draws my attention. Of his works I have seen, this is in my eyes one of his best, and definitely a favorite of mine.

Why Wright?

I graduated high school from Hughes Center in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2008. Prior to graduation, I only applied for one college that I didn't even plan to attend. It was a requirement for one of my classes to have completed an actual college application. I simply applied to Cincinnati State Community College. I never had plans to go further my education after I graduated. I was so ready to get out of high school, the last thing on my mind was more schooling. Once I graduated I got a full time job working with the MR/DD providing in home care. I am currently still employed with the company. I thought I had a good enough job to get me by for a while until i figured out what really wanted to begin doing with the rest of my life. As time went on I began to quickly see that the working life is very different than being a high school student, it was much harder. I found that I had it easier in school, than I did working full time trying to keep up with bills and such. I knew it would only get harder as time went on and i acquired more bills, or even children. I had a decision to make. Either struggle trying to make ends meet working a close to minimum wage job, or do what I should of done in the first place and seek higher learning and continue my education. The decision was easy. I knew it would benefit me in the long run, so I applied to Wright State. Wright is about a hour away from Cincinnati. Not too far from home, yet far enough to begin to establish some independence. I had a few friends that already attended that further persuaded me to enroll. I didn't chose Wright because of my major, or any specific reason. Simply because it was convenient for me. It seems I made a good choice and plan to continue my education here as a Raider.