Deity, II, depicts NFL quarterback Doug Williams in his heyday, wearing number 17 for the Washington Commanders (nee Redskins). On January 31, 1988, Williams led the team to victory in Super Bowl XXII, becoming the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl. After initially being trounced 10-0 in the first quarter, Williams took control of the game, breaking two Super Bowl records in the second quarter by scoring 35 unanswered points, including four passing touchdowns. The final score was 42-10, and Williams was named Super Bowl MVP. Nikko Washington’s painting depicts Williams as a titan, with a stone face typical of an ancient sculpture of an African deity. “The story of Doug Williams is a triumph,” Washington says, “but it’s a story that isn’t typically passed on within the Black community. I first heard about it in 2022 when there were two Black quarterbacks facing off against each other in the Super Bowl.” Washington sees the fragility of the narrative surrounding Williams as connected to the myths and tales brought to America by enslaved Africans. Such stories must be continually passed on through oral storytelling traditions. This painting is part of Washington’s effort to pass these stories on, and keep their lessons alive.