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In a conscious decision to shift my focus, I opted for a change in strategy. Rather than dwelling on the negative aspects, I chose the path of celebration. I committed to fighting differently, directing my efforts towards speaking life and fostering an appreciation for our culture and heritage. Simultaneously, I aimed to illuminate the inherent beauty within our history, emphasizing the positive narratives that often went overlooked
Growing up in Calgary my whole life, I have had the pleasure of making long-lasting connections to the community and the people in it. Although I was able to cultivate meaningful relationships, I also had to endure the pressure and stigma that came with being a young black male in a marginalized community. Because of these hardships, I have had to find ways to cope with the struggles I faced daily. Making and creating art was something I have done from a young age, so when it came time to combat these stigmas and stereotypes that I faced, art was the obvious and only way I knew how to fight against them.
Though Russell's been creating art himself since his own elementary school years, becoming an art teacher was never on the 19-year-old's radar. As the youngest child of immigrant parents, Russell said careers he'd considered growing up typically revolved around "doctor, lawyer, dentist, engineer."
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​Now, teaching kids art — while he's been taking a break from studying law, crime and justice at the University of Alberta — has completely changed his mind about his earlier intention to become a lawyer.
Anthony Russell, a 2020 graduate from Bishop O'Byrne High School, has created an anti-racism-inspired art collection called Fear of the Unknown that is turning heads in the local art world and in the Black Lives Matter movement.
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​"The reason why my exhibition is called the Fear of the Unknown is that there is a fear that comes with the way people look at us and treat us within society just because they don't know us."