TIME magazine’s latest cover serves as a poignant reflection on the anguish faced by Black mothers who have suffered the tragic loss of their children to racially motivated violence. In light of the brutal murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, the publication has dedicated its June 15 issue to honor these mothers.
Artwork: “Shattered Bonds” by Malik Johnson
The artwork, created by American artist Malik Johnson, is titled “Shattered Bonds.” It poignantly depicts an African-American mother tenderly holding her child, with the child’s figure excised from the canvas, symbolizing the deep void left by such heart-wrenching loss. In the harrowing moments leading up to Floyd’s death, he called out for his mother, who had passed away two years earlier. “Mama!” he cried out in despair. This moment has ignited nationwide protests demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism that have plagued America for centuries.
“I see in her expression the countless Black mothers rendered invisible and powerless in the face of this ongoing violence against their children,” Johnson shares with TIME. “As I navigate yet another cycle of anguish affecting Black lives, I envision a Black mother with her eyes closed and a furrowed brow, embodying her grief. This mother knows the pain; she understands the despair. While I might not be able to change the world, through my art, I can bring her to life. This act brings me not hope, but comfort. She guides me through the flames of anger. I want to ensure her story is told, and for America to truly hear her voice.”
A Striking Reminder of Lives Lost
Encircling the artwork is a striking red border, listing the names of 35 Black individuals who have lost their lives to systemic racism—many at the hands of law enforcement. This list includes names like Jamal Rivers, Yvette Smith, and Marcus Lee, representing just a fraction of those who have tragically died and inspired movements like Black Lives Matter.
Johnson is no stranger to capturing the essence of these struggles; he previously painted for TIME’s 2014 cover, which reflected the impact of the Ferguson protests, titled “Yet Another Fight for Remembrance.”
Reflections on Parenting and Safety
“How do I explain to my children that the very system designed to protect us can also be a source of danger?” Johnson pondered. “How can I shield them from the psychological toll of knowing we may always be seen as threats?”
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, TIME magazine’s latest cover artistically encapsulates the profound grief experienced by Black mothers who have lost their children to violence, echoing a call for justice and awareness.