Dianne Jones
I done witness so many deaths back here in this prison, it's just not right… I saw a lot of girls that was on lockdown having mental breakdowns. I saw a lot of women that came out of this place that was really physically broke…I had one guy tell me [that] I don't know what it feels like being a man being locked up, I say you don't know what it feels like being a woman.
Artist Statement
“St. Dianne of the 6th Ward” is an Afri-Galactic-Womanist piece built around the truth that one can be both Black and holy transcending past, present and future. Dianne’s life is inherently valuable and sacred. Dianne poses in a birthing position which is one of the most powerful positions of womanhood-to be in the position of creation. This is a prayer. We celebrate the sanctity of her life by intuitively infusing each glide of India ink with prayers and wishes over and into her life, her voice, her paths, her freedom, her womb, her presence, her desires of the heart, and her bold magic. Sainthood for Dianne is a continuous journey of becoming and unbecoming. May she continue to walk in assurance of her sanctity, grace and power from this day forward until the until.
- Dr. Nubian OmiSayade Sun
St. Dianne of the 6th Ward, 2018,