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Jess Owens-Young, an artist and professor, shares her upbringing in Waldorf, Maryland, a predominantly white area. She had a diverse group of childhood friends and developed a love for different types of food. Her parents had different backgrounds, with her mom being an accountant and her dad being a mechanic. Jess was a curious and active child, interested in science and art. She played soccer seriously for 20 years and put her cleats up before returning to art. Jess discusses her experiences as a black child in a predominantly white suburb and the challenges she faced in dating. Her parents emphasized the importance of education and taught her how to behave as a black person to protect herself. In college, Jess found her group as a nerdy jock and continued to feel a sense of belonging. Jess Owens-Young played soccer in college and had a passion for the sport. She decided to attend UMBC to continue playing soccer and pursue her interest in education. It was during her college years that she also discovered her sexual identity and began navigating what it meant to be a queer black woman. After her soccer career ended, Jess pursued degrees in political science, health promotion management, and health policy and management. She initially worked in philanthropy before becoming a professor in the field of health studies. Alongside her academic career, Jess rekindled her passion for art and began exploring painting and drawing. Jess Owens-Young discusses the evolution of her art, including her exploration of collage and the creation of pieces that represent a feeling of belonging. She talks about her goal to create spaces that make people feel like they belong, such as the Oak Bluffs Golf Club figures and the Negro leagues baseball pieces. Jess emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-expression in art and in life. She also offers advice to young queer individuals and artists, encouraging them to find community and lean into their authenticity.
Takeaways
Growing up in a predominantly white area can shape one's experiences and perspectives.
Parents play a significant role in shaping a child's values and aspirations.
Childhood interests and hobbies can evolve and change over time.
Identity and a sense of belonging can be influenced by various factors, including race and interests.
Education and learning extend beyond formal institutions and can be fostered through curiosity and self-directed exploration. Jess Owens-Young played soccer in college and had a passion for the sport.
She discovered her sexual identity during her college years and began navigating what it meant to be a queer black woman.
Jess pursued degrees in political science, health promotion management, and health policy and management.
She initially worked in philanthropy before becoming a professor in the field of health studies.
Alongside her academic career, Jess rekindled her passion for art and began exploring painting and drawing. Art can evolve and change over time, reflecting the artist's growth and exploration.
Creating spaces that make people feel like they belong is an important goal in art.
Authenticity and self-expression are key in both art and life.
Finding community and leaning into authenticity can help individuals navigate their identity and pursue their passions.
Chapters
30:02
Passion for Soccer and Global Connections

35:40
Transitioning to Health Policy and Management

39:01
Rekindling a Passion for Art

42:04
The Evolution of Art and the Exploration of Collage

49:05
The Power of Authenticity and Self-Expression

57:18
Finding Community and Embracing Authenticity