CMS is GWOAT

Heralded as “Greatest Woman Of All Time”, Claressa Maria Shields is a stellar model of Black Joy and grand icon of Social Justice. Leaning into the belief to excel, regardless of gender, instilled by her grandmother, her numerous accolades include being:

The 1st American woman to win a GOLD medal in boxing at the Olympics (2012);

The 1st American boxer to win a GOLD medal in consecutive Olympics (2012, 2016); and

1 of only 3 boxers in history to hold all major WORLD titles in boxing - WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO - in 2 weight classes.

Her professional career of being undefeated as a boxer (12 – 0) and wins as a mixed-martial artist (2 -1) inspires immense pride.

However, it is her activism, such as her call for equity in natural resources for her home city of Flint, as well in professional pay, that elevates her to SHE-RO!

Viewers see my nod to her call for clean water, represented by cobalt hair woven into her braids. Blue tiles represent “falling shards” from “glass ceilings” of male-dominated sports that she is shattering. Finally, the gem-encrusted “GWOAT” celebrates Claressa Maria Shields as one of the “AB-SOUL-UTE” best athletes in history!
My sculpture piece includes boxing gloves, human hair, paint, mosaic tiles, rhinestones and wood. My inspiration for this piece, like all my others, comes to me in my dreams. I presume this entered due to my following of the career and mission of legendary fighter Ms. Claressa Shields. Her accomplishments are incredibly worthy to be lauded!

Aside from what is written in my statement, I want to share on my selection of the wood and gold paint underneath. I believe Ms. Shields is down-to-earth and enduring like the natural substance and that she shines like the precious metal, constantly improving and motivating others, especially youth who suffer being at risk with few opportunities to achieve. She actively and purposely supports her words with her actions!! #GWOAT

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