From the moment I could hold a crayon, I drew mermaids. On the inside cover of all of my picture books.On scrap pieces of paper.On any surface that I could lay my hands on, without getting into trouble.WAY before I ever drew humans.But growing up as a young black boy, I was afraid to express this love of mine.So I would draw mermaids and mermen, hide them in a tin “Ninja Turtles” lunchbox, and stash the box away behind my TV unit.This gallery is my homage and gratitude to that secret mermaid civilization that supplied hours of fun, peace, and acceptance.Welcome to the light of the surface, my dear friends. You don’t have to hide anymore. <3