What We Carry is an interactive installation that explores themes of ritual and religion related to Black church culture and invites others to transcend their identities and explore their world in relationship to the artist.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a carefully staged area designed to resemble a private sanctuary, complete with a mirror, a gift box, a candle, and thoughtfully arranged lighting. This setting invites introspection and mimics the private rituals performed before one steps into the public sphere—a transformative process of self-affirmation and identity reinforcement.

Guests are invited to open the gift box to reveal an ornately designed hat that plays remixed a church hymn as they place the hat on their head. “When I Lay My Burden Down,” is a hymn, entirely crafted by the artist—from the beat to the lyrics and the singing—that expresses personal liberation and empowerment. The lyrics vividly portray a journey of laying down burdens and assuming a vibrant, confident persona, challenging societal norms with lines like, “I’ll be asking for all my money.. I’ll demand my seat at the table… You won’t treat me like you used to..”

While posing and adjusting the hat to the angle that suits them best, guests absorb the music and confront their reflection, contemplating deep questions about identity and personal burdens. What weights can they leave behind? Who could they become if unburdened?

The hat itself holds significant cultural weight, symbolizing the tradition of church hats in Black communities—often heirlooms passed down through generations, marking both heritage and individual expression. It is the final, defining piece of attire that one puts on, encapsulating memories and identity just before stepping out into the world.