*SOLD* “We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame.” Langston Hughes-1890 I was humbled to have been invited by Confront Art to create art for auction at Sotheby’s. Being an immigrant to the US from Nigeria, I’ve been acutely aware of the filters through which I am received, the darkest of all being my skin. So being able to work as a black artist, in New York City, having my art up for auction, and at Sotheby’s is still a dream I am yet to realize has been fulfilled. Even more beautiful is that the proceeds of this lot goes to the Breonna Taylor Foundation: that The Sacred Art Of The Ori would have the chance to create an altar to our Breonna-I am so lucky. Reflecting on all of this journey, I get a call letting me know that my lot sold at auction-something so many of us artists aspire to. I start to call my loved ones to let them know they can take a break from the incessant prayers they have been sending up for my sake. Everything is woking so well. Then they tell me: A black collector. I sobered up. It is beautiful that “I” am experiencing all these ups and joys. I appreciate it. I do. But the collector that won the bid? I celebrate them and could only hope to do for us what they’ve done for me. Sure, it is about money, sure it is about status. But more than that: we should have had the chance to celebrate feats such as these so long ago-it should not be surprising that a black artist sells their art at an auction to a black collector. It should not be a novelty. Yet it is. To many more achievements and the ubiquity of black people’s success and consistent recognition. To no more firsts and to getting used to seeing us. For we are here to stay.