Nine-year-old competition winner will have her art displayed in the White House
A talented nine-year-old girl has won a coveted prize with her original drawing that holds an aspirational message.
Gabrielle Faisal from Detroit entered a White House student art competition with a drawing inspired by African-American history, and won against over 500 competitors.
The artwork, titled Enslaved African Americans Built the White House, features two Black hands bound in shackles holding up the White House with an American flag in the background.
The young artist explained the meaning behind her artwork to Fox 2 News Detroit, explaining its historical significance.
“The white stripes represent the purity of the struggle,” Gabrielle said.
“The blue means justice and the white stars represent the unity for all people.”
The organisers of the White House History Association’s National Student Art Competition were on the lookout for creativity, depth and historical relevance from the hundred of entrants.
Rashid, Gabrielle’s father, said his daughter’s choice of art came naturally as she was inspired by things she had learned about African-American culture and history.
“I have a home library which is filled with books on African-American history, Blacks who were part of building the White House.”
“So for her, when it came to time to do art, it was just organic for her,” he said.
As well as winning first place in her age bracket, Gabrielle also won a $1,000 cash prize and a trip to Washington, D.C.
Her painting will be displayed in the White House visitor centre until September 22nd.
Image credits: Shutterstock/Instagram