"It is almost twenty years later. I have finished this long 'psychological and spiritual journey back in order to move forward' with the completion of the last painting of the Middle Passage - story that has changed me forever.  My struggle to tell this African story, to create this artwork as well as live creatively under any conditions and survive, as my ancestors did, embodies my particular heritage in this world. As the blues, jazz, and the spirituals teach, one must embrace all life, both its pain and joy, creatively.  Knowing this is why I, we, may be disappointed, but never destroyed.