A young African American Detroit sculptor Austen Brantley is creating a commissioned statue for the Canfield consortium. An organization that uplifts neighborhoods in the Detroit area. The statue will be erected in august permanently at Canfield consortium pavilion across from the Barack Obama Leadership Academy elementary school. The sculpture was designed by Brantley inspired by the need for change in the perception of masculinity in Detroit . Brantley conceived the sculpture for 2 years before he started the actual life size sculpture less than a month ago. “ it has a lot to do with the innocence of children and especially black males before the world molds them into something toxic and hard” Brantley stated. His hope is that people will see the need for change in the black communities perspective on black men to show what we can be. Recently in North Carolina a six year old Black male was arrested for picking a flower at a bus stop, and was sentenced with damage to real property. Brantley wants more attention to be given to the situation in North Carolina as it seems an unfair and harsh display of justice. “ Young black men should be able to admire the natural world around them and not be punished for their innocence” Brantley said.