10-year-old’s artwork inspired by Black Lives Matter movement takes centre stage in Waterloo

Black Lives Matter has given a voice to many young people.

Not least one 10-year-old artist, Jaemii-Lee, from Lambeth, who decided to illustrate its important message.

Her artwork impressed staff at Coin Street Community Builders so much that they decided to feature it for a week on the digital billboard on Waterloo Bridge.

Her whole family decided to visit the billboard.

Her mum said “Jaemii-Lee felt inspired with the BLM movement and wanted to express the beauty she’s experienced, but also deliver a powerful message.

“After learning of the George Floyd tragedy, it became apparent to me that education is key in our children’s lives.

“Children are our future – we may not be able to abolish racism overnight, but a ripple in the water will set trends.”

Jaemii-Lee often creates art as a regular Coin Street Youth member, and most recently participated in last month’s Illuminated Rivers project.

Coin Street recently benefited from the Illuminated River Foundation’s Community Fund to develop and deliver art workshops for young people aged nine and over in the local community.

It also joined with the Waterloo Festival to bring virtual art classes to 15 local young artists.

Each week the children painted a different iconic bridge of the River Thames using a different medium of art.

Their artwork was also featured on the digital billboard on Waterloo Bridge.

Pictured top: Jaemii-Lee with her artwork