The powerful and inspiring artwork for this year’s North Richmond Farm Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day T-shirt was designed by Lathel Douglas, a talented young artist whose journey to this opportunity is a testament to community connection and artistic passion.
Lathel’s introduction to this project began at the Community Resource Center in North Richmond, where a striking drawing on a whiteboard caught the eye of a farm representative. When they asked about the artist, the center’s coordinator, Ms. Annette Harris, proudly revealed that it was her grandson’s work. Recognizing his talent, they invited him to contribute a design for the upcoming MLK Day event—an opportunity Lathel eagerly embraced.
A Design Rooted in Purpose
Given a reference photo as inspiration, Lathel developed a sketchy, earthy style that fit Urban Tilth’s branding and mission. Though he was paid for the project, he emphasized that compensation wasn’t his primary motivation. Instead, he was deeply inspired by the spirit of the event and the chance to create something meaningful. Seeing the final design printed on shirts and worn by attendees was a powerful moment, bringing his artwork to life in a way that directly engaged the community.
“It was amazing to experience and see so many groups of people, of all ages and walks of life (from even as far away as Sacramento), so committed and passionate to serving. It was really a blessing to be a part of this. My first time doing something like this—well done!”
— Feedback gathered from the community
Beyond designing the T-shirt, Lathel fully immersed himself in the event, planting crops and connecting with other artists. A standout moment for him was meeting poet Dante, which he described as an incredible opportunity to engage with another local creative.
Cultivating Artistic Community
Lathel’s artistic journey extends far beyond this project. He is actively involved in Art It, a new Bay Area initiative that cultivates a diverse network of poets, visual artists, chefs, dancers, and more. The initiative is working to establish communal studio spaces and create opportunities for collaboration and events, building a grassroots artistic community.
He is also a part of Gameheads, a program that teaches youth game development and offers paid internships. Through this program, he contributed to a game titled “Bear With Me”, further expanding his creative skill set. Character design and storytelling remain central to his passion, and he is currently working on his own original character designs while planning for larger projects.
Looking to the Future
While many young artists pursue formal art education or gallery representation, Lathel envisions a different path—one rooted in community-driven creativity rather than traditional art institutions. His artistic influences include manga creators like Tatsuki Fujimoto (Chainsaw Man, Look Back), and his ultimate goal is to develop his own web series, drawing inspiration from serialized manga and comics.
When asked if he has a guiding philosophy for his creative practice, Lathel shared a quote from Tupac Shakur:
“I’m not saying I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.”
Through his work with Urban Tilth, Art It, and Gameheads, Lathel is already making an impact—not just as an artist, but as a community builder and storyteller. His artwork for MLK Day captured the essence of Dr. King’s legacy—hope, unity, and the power of collective action—exemplifying the next generation of young artists who are using their talents to inspire and uplift their communities.
Opportunities like this give local youth a chance to see their creativity make a real impact. For artists like Lathel, designing the MLK Day T-shirt wasn’t just about making art—it was about being part of something bigger, connecting with his community, and seeing his work come to life in a meaningful way. Experiences like these build confidence, open doors to new opportunities, and show young artists that their voices matter. Whether it’s meeting other creatives, learning new skills, or just seeing people wear his design with pride, it’s the kind of moment that can spark even bigger dreams for the future.