Prints
Josh Lewis is a local small-business owner with a passion for helping his community. He goes where he sees help is needed and assists with many local organizations. Josh grew up with his family in the projects. At the age of 14 his home was closed by the City of Lake Charles and in that moment he became acutely aware of the knife’s edge of insecurity that many face and the power that the political structure has over local minority communities. This lit a fire within him and fueled his purpose to fight for change for his family and others. His past experiences strengthen his bonds with others so that together they bring each other out of the abyss of uncertainty to create stability. “It’s important to look outside of ourselves and our circle of influence to the people that we can make a connection with, and to organize for the betterment of our whole community.” Believing that the people within the community are the ones who should decide what is best for it, he urges elected officials to be engaged with their communities. Josh has twice run for positions in local government and continually sheds light on the challenges faced by citizens of North Lake Charles like the food desert, lack of infrastructure, and lack of public transit that all complicate access to basic necessities and further education. He wants to empower people, especially younger people, to be educated and have compassion for everyone, and be able to have open discussions, regardless of differing views. He plans to continue his studies and earn a law degree that will allow him to find new roles within the community to uplift people.
Residency at the Museum, 2023