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Nathan Casteel, an architect, painter, and photographer in Chicago, created this painting in 2019. He named it "We all Cast the Same Shadow Painting." He describes this piece as a reflection on racial division. His goal is to express that, at our core, we all cast the same shadow. A metaphor for our shared humanity, regardless of race.

Why I Chose It and Its Connection to the Module:

I chose this piece from (Module 2: Who are we?) because I remember it immediately grasped my attention. When I saw it and saw the title, it felt powerful. This piece highlights themes of identity and shared humanity. It answers the question of module 2, "Who are we?". Since it expresses that regardless of our differences (like race, background, or identity), we are all equal at our core. This aligns with the principle of equity that everyone deserves fair treatment not based on their differences, but on their humanity.

In the article The Complexity of Identity: 'Who Am I?", by Beverly Daniel Tatum argues that although society sees us through labels, there is a deeper, shared humanity that connects us; all our shadows are the same. No one group is more valuable than another. This piece can be used to help unlearn biases and affirm positive identity, supporting what Tatum calls "the process of identity development".

This piece challenged me to rethink how identity is shaped and how differences are perceived, and how we can move toward a more equitable society by recognizing our shared human essence.

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We All Cast the Same Shadow Painting by Nathan Casteel | Saatchi Art

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Saatchi Art is pleased to offer the original painting: acrylic on canvas. size is 8 h x 8 w x 0.8 in., "We All Cast the Same Shadow," by PaintingNathan Casteel .

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This painting was created by Whitney de Araújo from Recife, Brazil. This piece was featured in the 2023 Embracing Our Differences art exhibition, which is an exhibit that celebrates diversity and inclusion through public artworks. She was about 21 years old when she created this. This piece is a powerful celebration of cultural diversity and inclusion.

Why I Chose It and Its Connection to the Module:

I chose this piece from (Module 4: Inequity by design) because it relates to equity in action, since it does not just show equity as an idea, it demonstrates it through visual storytelling, representation, and advocacy. This painting places women of different races and cultural backgrounds in a traditional art space. Equity in action means shifting power and visibility towards those left out, this painting puts them in the frame. Proving to us that diverse people belong at the center, not the margins. The title We Are All Pearls promotes a mindset that every person is precious and worthy, a belief in equity. Equity in action is about doing, not just believing. This painting relates to the article Seduced by Images: Identity and Schooling in the Lives of Puerto Rican Girls by Rosalie Rolon-Dow by addressing the need for cultural representation and affirmation. Rolon-Dow explores how Puerto Rican girls often incorporate media and school images that make them feel belittled. This painting challenged beauty standards by placing diverse women at the center of artistic recognition, highlighting that all women are "pearls". They both express a call for educators and society to affirm identity, resist stereotypes, and actively create inclusive spaces where all voices and images matter. Both show that equity is about giving everyone the visibility, support, and respect they need to thrive.

This has made me realize that equity is not just about giving students the same thing. It is about recognizing their unique experiences, cultures, and struggles and ensuring that they feel seen, respected, and supported in all areas of life. Including the classroom.

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Inspiring messages in outdoor art display mark 20 years for Embracing Our Differences

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Embracing Our Differences, which pairs art work with inspirational messages in Sarasota, marks 20 years by expanding to Bradenton and North Port

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This piece was created Banksy in 2003. It is also known as the Flower Thrower. The original mural appeared in Palestine. The wall it was created on was built by Israel in the early 200's. Banksy visited the region and created many artworks commenting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To Banksy this piece represents the power of love and peaceful action to disrupt injustice.

Why I Chose it and Its Connection to the Module:

I chose this piece from (Module 8: Got Culture?) because it connects to equity in education and equity in action through its powerful symbolism of peaceful resistance, advocacy, and transformation. The person we see in this piece is positioned to throw something, typically associated with violence, but instead throws flowers. A symbol of peaceful protest. This to me mirrors what educators and communities must do to challenge injustice in schools. Not through violence or aggression, but through compassionate action and advocacy. To me it also represents the courage to demand better conditions, fair treatment, and equal opportunities for all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Educators like me, can fight systematic inequities with tools like culturally responsive teaching and an inclusive classroom.

This piece made me realize that equity in education and action is about changing the system with love, care, and justice. Not ignoring problems but addressing them constructively in ways that uplift rather than harm. Equity requires movement, just like the protester. But it is a call to act with purpose and heart. It has taught me that equity means leading with empathy, using love, kindness and understanding to break down barriers. My view has shifted from thinking equity is about helping certain students "catch up" to realizing it is about changing systems that create unequal opportunities in the first place. Just like the protester in this image challenges the system and not a person.