Hello, I am Mark T. Williams II; author and curator of: Bright Boy; The Art of Defined/Designed Black. I am a visual artist, degreed Art Historian from Baylor with a Masters of Science in Industrial Design from the University of Houston. I currently teach in New Orleans as a Career & Technical Educator of High School Students in areas related to Design, Digital Media & Arts, and Entrepreneurship. I have dedicated my life to the arts and the fostering of mentorship, representation, and career success of Black Creatives and Artists. This mission was passed down to me by my Great Aunt Claudia, my first art teacher and the first Black Visual Artist I had ever met. I would not be the Man, Artist, or Educator I am today without the creative guidance, art materials & resources, or opportunities she gifted me in my youth. Sadly after her, I never again had a Black educator in the Arts, nor saw or was taught of Black Artist or Designers.

Not by the school systems. Not by the Community. Not by an entire Art History Department. Not by an Entire Architecture & Design Department. I went my entire life and education only experiencing one Black Artist; a painter, an educator, a mentor. A Black Woman. What would have happened if I was surrounded by Black Art, Literature, and Black Creative mentors? I was always called "Bright" growing up, but I was simply a reflection of the beauty of the world, its knowledge, and its lessons. All of which were conveyed to me by Black Women; because before I could speak clearly I was trained to articulate my thoughts and dreams on paper with pencils, charcoal, and paint.

I am Bright because I reflect the radiance of Black Women. We are Bright because we all do.