Art, Advocacy, and Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders with Christon Griffith
During National Arts and Humanities Month, we celebrate all the artists and scholars whose works enrich our communities and world. One artist within KIPP DC using his talents to promote wellness and mental health is Christon Griffith, transition coordinator for Legacy College Prep.
Christon’s contributions to KIPP DC students and the broader community are inspiring. In 2020, Christon launched an art and media business that promotes mental health, optimism, and positivity through creative expression. He used this platform to support students at the Learning Center during the pandemic with the creation of a “Motivational Monday” YouTube series. He’s also created various 2D animations and contributed to art projects promoting social-emotional learning and mental health awareness.
Christon’s dedication to social-emotional learning and mental health awareness is further reflected in the numerous art projects he’s undertaken, including painting a mural at the Wheeler Campus, leaving an invaluable mark through his creativity.
Reflecting on his work, Christon shared, “I hope that my art serves as a guide for students, helping them develop coping strategies to face life’s challenges and to navigate this world with the mental tools they need. It’s about empowering them to be successful and productive members of society.”
He has also authored and illustrated two books. KEEP CALM introduces the concept of emotional intelligence and the importance of thoughtful actions. This book is also used by KIPP DC mental health practitioners as a resource for social emotional learning. His second book, The Mine, tells the story of inner-city middle school students who use their superpowers of emotional intelligence to confront the school-to-prison pipeline. Additionally, Christon has illustrated Brown Girl, Blue, a children’s book celebrating self-love.
Christon’s commitment to the arts, mental health advocacy, and education embodies the remarkable individuals that make up the KIPP DC community. His journey serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art and creativity in enhancing the well-being of our community and beyond.
