What Happened to Freedom of Speech
Elijah Smith
Freedom of speech, Adobe Illustrator , 11 X 17 inches, 2022
What happened to the 1st Amendment, Adobe Illustrator , 11 X 17 inches, 2022
Say the Names, Adobe Illustrator , 11 X 17 inches, 2022
Free YSL,Adobe Illustrator,11x17,2022
Protect Black Art, Adobe Illustrator, 11x17, 2022
Say the Names, Photoshop, 11x17 ,2022
Free YSL, Photoshop, 11x17 ,2022
Lyrics 101, Adobe Illustrator , 11x17, 2022
Free Ysl ,Adobe Illustrator, 11x 17 2022
What happened to Freedom of speech, Photoshop, 11 x 17,2023
What happened to Freedom of speech,Photoshop, 11 x 17,2023
What happened to Freedom of speech ,Photoshop, 11 x 17, 2023
What happened to Freedom of speech, Photoshop 11 x 17,2023
Protect Black Art , Photoshop ,11x17,2023
Free the Slimes, Photoshop, 11x17, 2023
Elijah Smith is a graphic design artist at Winston Salem State University. Smith is from Charlotte, Nc with family ties in Winston Salem. Smith gains a lot of inspiration for most of his work from his grandparents. Who were civil rights activists in the late 1960’s who marched and have strong beliefs when it comes to equal opportunity for people African Americans. Growing up around his grandparents Smith was always educated on African American rights and history. So, most of Smith's work is driven by African American struggles, influential, and monumental moments in history that one can emotionally tie themselves to. Smith is an advocate for African American rights and fair treatment for the people of color. Bringing topics to light that aren't really talked about but should be addressed in the community.
“What Happened to Freedom of Speech?” is a set of graphic posters done through Adobe illustrator and Adobe photoshop that is inspired by African American music artists that have been incarcerated under the RICO indictment due to only lyrics and certain verses in songs with no real, sustainable evidence. Highlighting the fact that in African American rap culture, freedom of speech doesn’t pertain to the artist in the rap genre. There are many controversial things said in most music, Rock and Roll specifically but in their case, it looked at as artistic freedom and expression. In the case of rap, its considered “evidence to conspiracy” and in a predominantly African American male genre these artists are being punished for using their freedom of speech as artistic expression.
