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A high school senior hailing from Seattle has achieved national finalist status in the Doodle for Google contest, with her artwork showcased on the homepage today, April 28. Kameirah Johnson received acclaim for her piece that celebrates the beauty and adaptability of Black hair.
Kameirah Johnson, an 18-year-old student at Lakeside School, credits her inspiration to her childhood experiences. She fondly recalls her mother styling her hair in various ways, moments that significantly influenced her self-image and instilled a strong sense of confidence from a young age.
As Johnson matured, she delved deeper into the significance of Black hair. She discovered its rich history, including how certain hairstyles conveyed messages and served as powerful forms of expression.
Her artwork, titled “Hair Power: The Crown That Grows From Us,” was a labor of love, requiring over 40 hours to complete. This digital illustration weaves together diverse textures and styles, drawing from her personal journey and cultural heritage.
Johnson expressed to the Seattle Times, “Being Black in a world that often stands against you means that expressing oneself freely becomes a political act. I aimed to highlight that by saying, ‘Her hair can be curly, braided, or anything else. But it’s free and it’s beautiful.’”
This year’s contest asked students to respond to the theme “My superpower is …” through original artwork. Johnson said she did not have to think long about her direction. She chose Black hair because of how much it can transform while still holding meaning.
“My superpower is my hair and the family history it carries,” she shared in her artist statement. “Each texture and style holds culture, care, and survival passed down without words. Lying in the grass, our crowns rest without weakening. This kinky hair refuses conformity; it makes us different. Shaped by our lineage, our hair is undeniably beautiful.”
Johnson is one of five finalists selected from thousands of submissions nationwide. Each finalist receives a $10,000 college scholarship and a Chromebook. Public voting to determine the national winner is open through April 29.