04/28/2026
Garrard, in the course of protecting someone else from gunfire, substantially sacrificed his own health, safety, and independence. Once gunshots were heard, people fled without helping him, resulting in a debilitating loss of blood. This gentle man is now faced with a long, arduous path back to strength and cognition—back to teaching boxing, drawing, writing poetry, and being a positive force in the community. The title of this tribute to him reflects that his mother, Kind Essence, has been his unfailing, loving advocate and very clearly a motivating force throughout his life. It has been my privilege to meet both mother and son and to honor them with this colorful artwork. I have incorporated symbols of love, peace (the olive branches), and rising and setting suns to symbolize the long road ahead for Garrard’s recovery.
- Laura Madeleine, artist
The Awesome Grave Digga, that was his street name in Harlem. He earned it by out-rapping others in a free form match. We call him Digga now.
“They tried to take me out, The Chosen One, Digga, but now I’m back and I’m even bigga. Been gone to beyond and back again... not once but twice, now let me tell you sumnm, it’s all about the love, whether you Eagle or DOVE, better listen up before push comes to shove... there’s a choice today, will you come back straight or just fade away... fade away like oil in sinking soil or rising high like Sacred smoke to the sky?”
Digga and Chief Ancient Future
I am so Thankful that God, our Creator, gave Him another chance.
- Karen Kind Essence Thompson, mother
We will be sharing one portrait from the 2026 Souls Shot exhibition each week as our website undergoes a redesign. We hope you will take the time to sit with these portraits, read the reflections of artists and loved ones, and continue to meditate on each of these unique, precious souls.