Student poster displays passion, spirit

Art seems to have come full circle for Derrick “D.J.” Webb.

During his undergraduate years at VCU, Webb submitted a poster for a Black History Month contest and won first place. This year, as a graduate student, his artwork was chosen for the university’s poster.

“It was quite an honor,” he said, adding that it’s as if he’s giving something back to the school that helped him cultivate his artistic talents.

His poster features an African-American male standing behind an African-American female. Both have a shining light in their hands. The light, he said, is symbolic of the two people’s endeavors and their strive to get through rough times.

“I wanted something that would symbolize our (African-American) passion,” Webb said.

The poster, he said, shows a kindred spirit among African-Americans.

Webb, who grew up in the Richmond area, said he purposely placed the man in the poster behind the woman to signify a positive African-American male standing behind his mate.

“We don’t see that a lot in the black community,” he said.

VCU appears to be recognizing Black History Month better than it did in the early 1990s, Webb said. He, however, would like to see more involvement from the faculty and the community.

In 1995, Webb graduated from the School of the Arts with a degree in communication arts and design. He will graduate from the School of Mass Communications’ Adcenter in May with his master’s degree. He said he wants to move to a city such as Chicago that is well known for its creativity.

“(I’ll) try to make an impact with the gifts I have,” he said.