JET 1955
This 1955 issue of JET was recreated with shoelaces. The featured model is Lovely Hill, Pearce’s grandmother. One of the reasons Pearce picked this cover is for its buzzword and cover lines that preview the spread for “ideal hates for ladies who like to Globetrot.” Little did Hill know, this would foreshadow her grandson’s accomplishments. After Hill traveled the world as an educator, her favorite pupil — Pearce — would became a player for the Harlem Globetrotters.
48” x 60”
Shoelaces on canvas
Pearce struggled as a shy kid, who was unmotivated by school kid. Hill, who had then worked in education for decades, took the time to help with Pearce’s homework every single day. Thus, allowing Pearce to blossom as a diligent student. He also watched her get involved in village politics, firing up residents about the issues that matter to them. It was those events that led to Pearce to discovering his self-worth and voice. When Maxwell was 9 years old, Lovely bought him his first Harlem Globetrotter Jersey.
Maxwell Pearce is now in his seventh year as a Harlem Globetrotter and credits his accomplishments as an athlete, artist, and activist to Hill’s love and dedication.
Her fiery personality allowed him to see he could use his voice for good and become a change maker. Their relationship is a prime example of how a grandmother’s love and encouragement pays dividends in the Black family.