With the whirlwind that included cranking out 13 caricatures right before the summit, I simply ran out of time and was unable to finish the final two. These last two are especially meaningful for me, for reasons I will explain below.
Robert Woodson
I did not know who Robert Woodson was before the event, but as we landed from St. Paul, MN the final Sunday of the summit, I had my wife drop me off at the convention center that morning so I could hear him speak. Jet lagged and functioning on 4 hours of sleep, it didn’t matter. I caffeinated myself up to listen to Bob Woodson talk about his work in the inner city and urban areas of America. This touches close to home, as I grew up in an environment that could easily fit that description. I saw first hand the effects of poverty and gang violence. Gun deaths at our school were not uncommon. And I know the hopelessness that exists in these areas. I also know that there is a greater Hope that can bring people out of the crime they may find themselves trapped in, and I wish the message could be broadcast with authority into places like Chicago and Atlanta, “Stop! It doesn’t have to be this way! There is a better way!” That’s what Bob Woodson has devoted his life to doing, and so it is a complete honor to create this caricature with the dignity he deserves.
Shawn Welcome
Along the same lines, I was privileged to meet Shawn Welcome on multiple occasions and there is not a nicer guy on the planet. Coupled with that is his extraordinary talent in the spoken word, giving life changing positive messages in a format of rhyme, rhythm, and impact. Shawn is a family man, a devoted husband, a man who champions the institution of marriage. He stands up for his faith with a sparkle in his eye and a smile. When presented with the chance to portray him in caricature, I was happy to do so.
