GCU nursing student creates digital art in support of the Black Lives Matter movement

A GCU nursing student has been using her artistic talent to create digital art to support the Black Lives Matter movement, as a way of spreading positivity and awareness.

First Year Adult Nursing student Amy MacEachen, who also works as a support worker for the NHS, decided to start creating digital art as a hobby during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

Starting with drawing her friends and family, Amy then decided to start creating art which highlighted the protests happening in the US as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. She said: “I was really inspired when I saw the pictures of all of the protesters in America.

I thought that their bravery and courage was amazing! On the news here, most of what was being shown was really negative and I felt like it wasn’t an accurate portrayal of what was going on. I decided to start making digital drawings of pictures I saw which really inspired me, to show people that the majority of the protests were peaceful and respectful.

It’s awful that we still need to worry about racism in 2020 but unfortunately, it’s still a massive issue within global society.”

Amy believes that there are many ways for people to support the Black Lives Matter movement. She said: “It’s so important to actively be anti-racist. It isn’t enough to post a black square on Instagram and hashtag BLM - that’s not what the movement is about.

It’s about educating people on the atrocities which still happen every day due to racism. Signing petitions takes two minutes out of your day but makes a huge difference to the lives of others."

She added: "As a white woman, I think it is important for us to be aware and understand the privilege we have and work hard to not only educate ourselves but educate others and challenge racism when we see it. I can’t pretend to understand what people of colour go through, I will never understand, but we need to stand together and support them.

There are so many books, podcasts, shows and articles available for people to educate themselves. Donating to causes like Black Lives Matter, Minnesota Freedom Fund or the various Bail Funds across the US makes a massive difference.

Protesting is so important too; it gives people who may not feel like they are heard a voice. It allows all of us to show support and shows those higher up in power that this is something which needs action and attention.

Racism isn’t only a problem in America, it’s a massive problem here too and I feel like it’s important for people to realise that.”

To view Amy’s digital art, click here

By Rachael McAlonan

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