Harry Akakpo, who was born in Maryland, has a tattoo that honors Montgomery County, Maryland, Washington, DC, and the DMV region while also serving as a permanent love note to his hometown. His upbringing, his heritage, and the cultural tapestry that has molded his entire being are all reflected in every meaningful aspect of the artwork (see the tattoo’s movie below).
The tattoo’s main element is the large “Welcome to MD” sign, which represents Harry’s intense love for the state of Maryland. He tells us that being from Maryland has influenced his humor, accent, style, favorite meals, language, political beliefs, and even personal taste, making it more than just a place. Every element of his tattoo incorporates the lesson he learned from growing up in a surprisingly varied area: how to connect with people of various backgrounds.
His story is further enhanced by family history. It’s evident that this place has been the home of his family for three generations because his grandfather was from Benin and worked as a diplomat in the DC metro area. A variety of thoughtfully selected symbols capture this enduring bond. A crab is a fun allusion to Maryland’s renowned cuisine, while fresh cherry blossoms and black-eyed Susans overlay the Maryland sign, emphasizing the state’s natural beauty and the spirit of the seasons.
Above the state flag that adorns his license plate, Harry honors his heritage on his inner arm with a design reminiscent of his own license plate: Maryland, written in fine cursive. The initials DMV, which represent D.C., Maryland, and Virginia—the broader territory that encompasses the whole DC metro area—come next.
Next is the Curly W, which echoes the Nationals emblem and stands for the city that has influenced him greatly. A street sign also represents his beloved youth, which he feels was enhanced by his parents and the lively Germantown, Maryland neighborhood where he grew up.
As a continual reminder of his ties to his family with relatives living in the capital and the numerous trips that strengthened his ties to his homeland, the tattoo also includes pictures of the Metro and Route 270, which stand in for the modes of transportation that brought him from Maryland to Washington, DC. His final destination is marked by famous DC landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol Building, the African American Museum, and a national monument. The Capital City Gogo logo, which pays homage to the Washington Wizards G League affiliate, honors the city’s genuine symbols, the contagious energy of gogo music, and his love of basketball.
The 3:01 ink, which pays homage to the area code and recalls him of his roots—he was born in Takoma Park, grew up in Langley Park, and called Germantown home from an early age—adds still another level of personal meaning. His education at Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School, and Christa McAuliffe Elementary School solidified his enduring links to Montgomery and Prince George Counties.
It took 15 hours to accomplish this elaborate work of art, which was made by @_smush. Eight hours were spent carefully shading each part to make sure it stood out, and another seven hours were spent inking all the pieces in one sitting. Harry saw every minute of that procedure as a permanent love letter written in ink for everyone to read, reaffirming the ideals, memories, and rich culture of the area he considers home.