Disney+

In preparation for the launch of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella on Disney+, Disney partnered with artists to create custom artwork inspired by the film. My painting, titled “A Dream Come True,” was inspired by my own experiences with the film and the impact I knew it would have on my niece. In the ’90s, seeing a Black woman portrayed as a princess was rare. I viewed Brandy’s representation in Cinderella as a precious gift. As a child, I watched the film multiple times a day, sitting on my bedroom floor, imagining myself as Cinderella and singing along to every song. For me, she represented a possibility I didn’t often see reflected on screen: a Black girl could be the princess. At the time of this project, my niece was five years old, and she absolutely loved playing princess. I merged photos of her and I for the girl in this painting. I knew that when my niece saw this version of Cinderella, it would leave an impression on her just as deeply as it did on me. “A Dream Come True” is a reflection of representation, imagination, and the beautiful way that dreams can be passed from one generation to the next.