In 1995, a criminologist named John DiIulio falsely predicted that there would be an explosion of violence caused by young Black men, whom he coined “super predators.” This myth created a baseless fear that heightened government surveillance programs, intensified policing, and fueled mass incarceration within Black community. That same year, on February 5th, Trayvon Martin, was born. The life of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year high school student, was taken when George Zimmerman fatally shot him in Sandford, Florida. Martin’s murder sparked global uprisings and brought international attention to America’s violent racial history against Black people.
“The Rudiments of ‘SuPre’” is a collection that reflects on how the idea of ‘super predator’ shapes the violent realities experienced by Black people in our contemporary world. Smith explores mixed media practices in order to highlight the complexities of this lived experience and works to provide a counter visual that re-sensitizes the audience to Black bodies and Black life. The creation of ‘SuPre’ a fictional character in his work that helps to challenge the demonization of Black boys as ‘super predators’, and instead allows them to see themselves as protectors of their communities.
