ARTIST STATEMENT

Art is a form of freedom, and freedom is a process. Healing is a critical aspect of freedom and liberation. My art is a reflection of the interconnected journeys towards freedom and healing. As a lifelong educator and learner, I also use my art tool to activate consciousness. Lastly, I use my art to unite and ignite, and this is informed by my path as an organizer and human rights lawyer.

I am a multi-instrumentalist composer/producer with roots and heavy influence from my home village of P-Funk/Plainfield, New Jersey. A decade of living in Los Angeles and traveling through 40 countries has also influenced my sonic expression. My visual art technique and tactics earned me the name “Dr. KnuckleHead” from my students. I experiment with digital collages, freehand, stencils, and mixed media techniques along with spraypaint. Through my non-profit Project KnuckleHead, I’ve painted 70+ bucket drums that are used at protests and designed banners hundreds of square feet of abolitionist mural banners that have draped city hall rallies. Most of my art education comes through teaching and creating for Project Knucklehead over the past decade. 

I use my art to challenge systems of state violence while highlighting connections across the Afro diaspora. My work often displays Black freedom fighters around the world with subtle imagery of African culture and spirituality. As an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, I founded an Arts Justice movement that advocates for arts as a civil right. I work with students and artists to use are as a call-to-action that has been attached to statewide petitions and local school board resolutions. My art inspiration comes from street artists and muralists like Emory Douglas, Brandan BMike Odums, Osa Seven, and Shepard Fairy. My musical influences include golden-era hip hop, freedom songs, Trap, and funky soul music. I attribute the radicalization and audacity of my art to the students who have taught me so much over the years.

MUSIC

ALBUM COMING THIS FALL!

Dr. KnuckleHead musician and Afro-sonic sorcerer. He’s collaborated and performed with artists around the world. His upcoming album, Sonic Sorcery x Liberation, is more than just music—it’s a journey of resilience, self-emancipation, and spiritual awakening. With poetic lyrics, infectious grooves, and soul-stirring melodies, Dr. KnuckleHead’s music resonates deeply and inspires change. Featuring an eclectic group of musicians on piano, violin, banjo, drums, bass, trombone, saxophone, and West African instruments, the album brings a rich tapestry that pushes boundaries. The songs reflect his experiences with joy, struggle, incarceration, deportation, healing, grief, travel, and spiritual evolution.

FILM & video

FILM/ DOCUMENTARY: “Afro Unidad: Roots and Rebellions”

Afro-descendants from eight countries reflect on their roots and culture in a time of international uprising. Dissatisfied with the limited knowledge about their African heritage, some participate in DNA testing to discover ancient truths about their ancestors. Afro creatives share reflections from Panama, Jamaica, Peru, United States, Brazil, Nigeria, Argentina, South Africa in this documentary about unity. The music and dance of the Afro diaspora provide a rich flavor and soundscape to the film.

 VISUAL & GRAPHIC ART

Visual Art was my first love. I’ve facilitated mural projects and curated art galleries in Miami and Los Angeles. “Healing Justice is Love and Liberation” is a mural created by Amir “Dr. KnuckleHead” Whitaker in 2022. It was accepted in the Another Justice: By Any Medium Necessary project by For Freedoms. The work is showcased on billboards in Miami and Los Angeles and can be seen in New Orleans. It features a collage of freedom fighters and healers from over a landscape of mountains, forests, rivers, and oceans. A group of Afro Gods and Goddesses appear throughout the work as well. Learn more about the work at www.projectknucklehead.org/healingjustice

This divine cloth includes 50+ distinct Afro symbols from all over the Mother Land and diaspora. Some go back thousands of years like the Ankh, Eye of Horus, and Adinkra. The border lists 100+ countries; every nation in Africa and across the diaspora. The years of emancipation are listed for the 50+ countries across the diaspora. Purchase the 2021 flag bandana below for $10 with a matching dashiki or hat in our store. Learn more about the specific meaning of the 50+ Afro symbols at www.afrounidad.com.

FASHION

Fashion design is another form of expression and freedom. I’ve designed nine dashikis along with sneakers, bandannas, jewelry, hoodies, and more that are in 10+ countries. Visit this page for more about the fashion items and our store. View and order Freedom Fashion items designed by Dr. KnuckleHead here.

CULTURAL ORGANIZER

I have organized festivals, galleries, creative rallies, and virtual events in multiple languages with hundreds of attendees around the world. I am the co-founder of Afro Unidad where I have helped to build a village with 50 Afro Ambassadors across 14 countries.